(Video) Chaos in Leipzig: Trams stopped after melting asphalt

In the city of Leipzig, Germany, public transportation has been thrown into disarray after an unprecedented heatwave caused significant damage to the tram network. On Saturday, temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius in Saxony, leading to the melting of asphalt and the gaps between the tracks and road surfaces. This resulted in molten material seeping into the rail system, including switches and tracks, creating hazardous conditions for trams. As a precautionary measure, the local transport authority, Leipzig Public Transport (LVB), announced the suspension of all regular tram services.

The extreme heat had a widespread impact on the infrastructure. Both new and older sections of the network were affected, with reports indicating that approximately 300 kilometers of track and around 60 trams needed cleaning. Over 50 workers have been deployed since Saturday evening to clean the tracks day and night, removing the melted material from switches and rails. The situation has raised concerns about the resilience of urban infrastructure under such extreme weather conditions.

The disruption has forced the temporary halt of tram services, leaving many residents reliant on alternative forms of transport. While bus services continue to operate normally, the return of trams is pending further safety checks and trial runs. According to LVB officials, some tram lines connecting suburbs to the city center and important bus transfer points could potentially resume operations as early as Monday or Tuesday. However, the inner city loop will remain inactive for a longer period due to ongoing assessments and necessary repairs.

The issue is not isolated to Leipzig alone. Similar problems have been reported in other German cities such as Nuremberg, Würzburg, Essen, and Bremen, where issues with melted material near tracks have also been observed. In Dresden, the public transport operator DVB noted deformations in the tracks and problems with switches. Additionally, in some cases, other modes of transport, including cable cars and ferries, have been temporarily suspended due to low water levels and high temperatures.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of urban transport systems to extreme weather events. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Engineers and transport authorities are now conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the damage and to develop solutions for future heatwaves. The findings from these investigations will play a crucial role in shaping policies and investment decisions aimed at enhancing the durability of transport networks against rising temperatures.

As the cleanup efforts continue, the focus remains on restoring normalcy to public transport while ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. The situation in Leipzig serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate-related disruptions and underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard essential services against the impacts of global warming.