MBTA Commuter Rail Warns of Potential Delays Caused by Heat-Related Track Stress
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
MBTA Commuter Train
MBTA
BOSTON - With excessive heat plaguing a large part of the country, MBTA Commuter Rail warns its passengers to expect potential delays caused by heat-related stress on the tracks.
MBTA Commuter Rail announced via social media that because of the heat, there is a chance of delays due to stress on the tracks caused by extreme temperatures.
Indeed, the Fall River/New Bedford, Framingham/Worcester, Franklin/Foxboro and Kingston Lines all experienced delays in the afternoon of June 23rd due to heat-related speed restrictions, according to WCVB. As of 8:18 p.m., MBTA Commuter Rail communicated to its passengers that while the heat-related speed restrictions were lifted, they may still experience “residual delays.“
On its website, MBTA Commuter Rail details the impacts to service that severe weather can have. On days with excessive heat, trains will operate at reduced speeds to compensate for heat-related track stress, inspections will take place periodically, and crews will make emergency repairs as needed. Because of the heat, overhead wires can expand and sag, so crews also need to “make adjustments to prevent low-hanging wires.”
