{"id":460191,"date":"2026-06-22T22:31:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T12:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=72006"},"modified":"2026-06-22T22:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T12:31:32","slug":"french-rail-network-under-severe-strain-from-severe-heatwave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=460191","title":{"rendered":"French rail network under severe strain from severe heatwave"},"content":{"rendered":"

Temperatures of up to 40\u00b0C in many parts of France in recent days are putting France\u2019s rail network under severe strain. Rail infrastructure manager SNCF R\u00e9seau said the extreme heat had caused a points failure, affecting high-speed lines in the south-west on the country. Rails had expanded, warping the track and forcing some trains to a halt.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>The incident was \u201ctechnically resolved since 2 pm\u201d on Sunday local but at the time was continuing to cause delays. Trains were diverted \u201conto conventional mainlines. SNCF said it was trying to prevent such incidents by monitoring \u201cthe network, the tracks, the overhead power lines and the signalling systems\u201d in mobilisinga team 3,500 staff. CEO Jean Castex commented: \u201cMany of these components are highly susceptible to extreme heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

While media attention has focused on the impact of the severe heatwave on passenger services, DB Cargo France chief Alexandre Gallo told RailFreight.com that freight trains are also being affected, He said that in many places, SNCF R\u00e9seau\u2019s infrastructure was experiencing failures, being either unavailable or subject to restrictions on use, particularly with regard to the overhead lines.<\/p>\n