Metrolink Gold Line--Serving San Gabriel Valley--Delayed Due to Heat

Today's high temperatures could lead to delays for Metrolink and Metro rail passengers, with the transit agencies warning they may have to slow trains to protect them from possible expansion of the tracks.

There have not been any immediate reports of delays on Metrolink rail lines, but the agency noted that high heat "makes the rails expand and when they expand the risk of the rail becoming warped increases. Therefore trains slow down as precautionary measures.''

According to Metrolink, heat places stress on the railroad ties, ballast and anchors that keep the tracks fixed to the ground. The result can be a warping of the line, creating possible kinks.

Officials at Metro were also keeping an eye on the heat, and it warned of possible delays of up to 15 minutes on the Gold Line due to the heat. Spokesman Rick Jager noted, however, that Metro light-rail trains travel at speeds much slower than Metrolink regional locomotives.

The other change for Metro riders today was that some rail-car doors are staying closed when trains reach stations to keep the air conditioning from escaping. Riders may need to press a release button next to the doors to get them to open so they can exit the trains.

Is your train affected? Visit: www.metrolinktrains.com

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