CHICAGO — The current heat wave in the Midwest and East is bringing operational impacts for Amtrak and commuter rail systems.
Amtrak last week issued a “fact sheet” on how it responds to high heat, noting that restrictions are issued when ambient temperatures exceed 95 degrees or track temperatures reach 128 degrees. Temperatures have reached that point in portions of the Midwest today (Saturday, June 21), leading the passenger operator to issue an advisory that trains operating between Joliet, Ill., and St. Louis face delays of up to 90 minutes because of heat-related speed restrictions until 10 p.m.. Sunday’s forecast calls for temperatures of 95 and above over a large portion of the Midwest and Northeast, so more widespread restrictions are likely.
Amtrak notes those restrictions also affect commuter and freight operators on Amtrak-owned trackage, so commuter lines on the Northeast Corridor could also be affected. Maryland’s MARC has already issued an advisory that it will modify schedules next week on its Penn Line — using the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Perryville, Md. — cancelling its 6 p.m. train from Washington Union Station “to provide contingencies in the event of an equipment failure in severe heat.”
Check websites and social media for Amtrak and commuter operators for the latest updates.
You got heat you got heat. If the tracks are hot we don’t run trains. Heat causes kinks everyone knows that including model railroaders it is best for Amtrak to stand down if they have heat on the rails.
Can’t run a train if it’s hot, or if it’s cold, or if it snows, or if it doesn’t have enough axles.
As a physician, I would like to remind interested readers-commentators of the fact that our bodies need more spring water (with a pH level of 7 to 8) in extremely hot weather, whether you are on a train journey or not.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün