The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have been grappling with the effects of extreme heat on their infrastructure, which has led to significant disruptions for passengers and operational challenges. On Monday, a track deformation was reported near Baar in the Zurich region, highlighting the vulnerability of railway systems under high temperatures. Daily reports indicate that approximately 20 air conditioning units in trains fail, contributing to uncomfortable conditions for commuters. The SBB is implementing various strategies to mitigate these issues, though some measures remain unimplemented due to specific constraints.
Extreme heat poses risks not only to railways but also to roads, as materials expand and can lead to damage. The A13 highway, in particular, has experienced repeated issues due to its construction method. Built using concrete slabs beneath the asphalt surface, this design makes it susceptible to thermal expansion. As a result, the road has suffered "blow-ups," where sections of the asphalt lift off the underlying structure. This problem has occurred twice within a month, prompting increased inspection efforts along the route.
According to Jérôme Jacky, head of Information and Communication at the Federal Roads Office (Astra), such incidents are rare given the current standards of national highways. Modern road surfaces are designed to withstand higher temperatures, and additional checks are being conducted on vulnerable stretches. However, experts warn that even modern asphalt can soften under intense heat, potentially leading to the formation of grooves from heavy freight traffic. These grooves could cause aquaplaning during heavy rain, posing safety risks.
Railway tracks are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Steel rails can reach over 50 degrees Celsius, causing them to deform. When extreme temperatures create significant forces, sudden shifts in the track—known as "displacements"—can occur. According to Mara Zenhäusern, spokesperson for the SBB, there are typically three to seven such displacements annually. To address this, the SBB employs a specialized water-carrying train to cool affected sections of the track.
To prevent displacements, connecting sleepers—the wooden or concrete blocks that hold the rails in place—can make the track more rigid, reducing the likelihood of localized deformations. The rail industry has also updated regulations to account for higher temperatures, raising the assumed maximum rail temperature from 60 to 65 degrees Celsius. Experts believe Switzerland is well-prepared for future heatwaves, although ongoing monitoring remains crucial.
White-painting the rails has shown promise in reducing temperatures by up to seven degrees, according to some regional railways like the Rhätische Bahn and the Appenzeller Bahnen. However, the SBB's pilot project did not yield significant results, and Patrick Braess, an ETH Zurich professor, notes that the effectiveness diminishes once the paint wears off. While the measure offers temporary relief, long-term solutions require more durable approaches.
The impact of heat extends beyond transportation infrastructure into public life, affecting schools and workplaces. Educators have called for nationwide measures to combat the effects of heat, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies to protect both people and infrastructure. The recent incidents on the A13 highlight the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, especially in areas prone to thermal stress. With climate change likely to increase the frequency of heatwaves, proactive planning and investment in resilient infrastructure will be essential to ensure the safety and reliability of Switzerland’s transport networks.
5 reports
SWI swissinfo.chState / PublicCenter10 days agoSwiss teachers have called for comprehensive national measures to address the impacts of heatwaves, likely due to increasing temperatures linked to climate change. The request comes amid growing concerns over the effects of extreme heat on students' health and learning environments. Teachers are advocating for policies such as improved classroom cooling, adjustments to school schedules during peak heat hours, and better emergency protocols for heat-related illnesses. These calls follow recent heatwaves that have affected various regions across Switzerland.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a general call for action by teachers without explicitly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on the practical needs of students and educators rather than taking a position on policy solutions or attributing blame to specific groups or parties.
Tages-AnzeigerIndependentCenter10 days agoThe Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are facing challenges due to extreme heat, including deformed tracks and malfunctioning air conditioning systems in trains. On Monday, a track buckled in Baar, Zurich, highlighting the impact of high temperatures on infrastructure. Approximately 20 air conditioners in trains fail daily, prompting the SBB to implement various measures to address these issues. However, they have opted against one particularly visible solution.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on technical challenges faced by the SBB due to climate-related factors and mentions mitigation strategies without showing clear favoritism toward any political stance. It provides factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing.
SRF NewsState / PublicCenter11 days agoThe article discusses the impact of extreme heat on Switzerland's infrastructure, particularly roads and railways. High temperatures cause materials like concrete and asphalt to expand, leading to damage such as cracks on the A13 highway and potential deformation of railway tracks. The A13 has been damaged twice within a month due to its outdated construction with concrete slabs beneath the surface, which are more vulnerable to thermal expansion. Officials from the Federal Roads Office (Astra) state that most national highways now use modern materials better suited to withstand heat, and additional inspections have been implemented. Experts from ETH Zurich warn that asphalt can soften under heavy freight traffic, creating grooves that could lead to aquaplaning during rain. For railways, high temperatures can cause steel tracks to deform, potentially leading to track misalignment. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) reports only three to seven such incidents annually and uses specialized cooling trains to mitigate risks.
Bias read (Center): The article provides balanced reporting on technical challenges posed by climate-related heat stress on infrastructure. It includes perspectives from both government officials and academic experts without overtly favoring any side. The focus is on factual descriptions of engineering issues rather on
watsonIndependentCenter11 days agoTeachers in Switzerland are calling for nationwide measures to combat heat stress in schools, following concerns over the impact of rising temperatures on students and staff. The issue has gained attention as extreme heat events become more frequent, prompting discussions about the need for cooling solutions, improved infrastructure, and policies to protect educational environments. While some cantons have already implemented localized initiatives, educators are pushing for a coordinated national approach to address the growing challenge.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view by highlighting the calls from teachers and the broader concern about climate impacts on education without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It focuses on the factual demands and does not emphasize any particular political perspective.
BlickIndependentCenter12 days agoA section of asphalt on the A13 highway near Buchs has broken down due to high temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, causing chaos on the road. The incident has led to traffic disruptions and delays for drivers in the area. Authorities are working to address the issue and restore normal conditions. The breakdown highlights concerns about infrastructure resilience under extreme heat.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an infrastructure failure related to extreme heat, which is a technical and environmental issue rather than a politically charged topic. There is no evident framing or emphasis that suggests a particular political bias. The focus is on the event itself and its immediate impact
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
CH
