Leipzig residents help clear bitumen from tram tracks after heatwave disruption

Leipzig's tram system ground to a halt after extreme heat turned bitumen on the tracks into a sticky, disruptive mess. Temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) softened the asphalt and concrete joint filler, which trams then spread and pushed into switches with their wheels.

The local transport authority, Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB), declared the situation a safety hazard and suspended all tram services. The bitumen layer, up to five millimeters thick, coated approximately 10% of the city's 304-kilometer (189-mile) tram network. Additionally, about 60 trams required cleaning.

“

Leipzig sticks together. Now we need you.

In a public appeal on Facebook, the LVB asked for community assistance, stating, "Leipzig sticks together. Now we need you." The call was answered by over 50 residents who arrived with shovels, spatulas, and knee pads. Stefan, a resident of Leipzig-Grünau who relies on public transport, was among the volunteers. "I don't have a car, I depend on public transport and want line 15 to run again quickly," he said, scraping the tough, black mass from the rails.

LVB infrastructure manager Stefan Röll explained that the damage was extensive and novel, with no established technique for removal. LVB employees have been working continuously since the weekend, joined by staff from other municipal services. Specialized cleaning methods, including sandblasting and high-pressure washing, are being employed, but care must be taken not to damage the tracks and switches. Experts consulted for the cleanup have experience removing aircraft tire marks from airport runways.

“

I don't have a car, I depend on public transport and want line 15 to run again quickly.