Taking a train during a heat wave? Watch out for ‘sun kinks’

One of the captivating experiences of riding a train is the distinct sound of ingenuity caused by expansion gaps in the railroad tracks. When the steel tracks heat up, they can expand significantly, leading to potential hazards like sun kinks. These hazards occur when the track swells and bends due to extreme heat, posing a risk of derailment. To prevent accidents, rail services slow down trains in excessively hot weather. As climate change worsens heat waves, rail operators are implementing new technologies to monitor track conditions and prevent buckling. Continuous welded rail, specific painting techniques, and advanced sensors are being used to adapt tracks to changing climates. With innovations like distributed acoustic sensing, railroads can detect defects early and ensure safer train travel. By gathering more data on track vulnerabilities, operators can make informed decisions to prevent delays and enhance safety.