Leipzig suspends tram services due to heat damage

All tram services in Leipzig, Germany, have been halted until Monday morning due to significant heat damage affecting the city's tracks and switches. The Leipzig Transport Company (LVB) initially planned to suspend services only until Sunday night but extended the duration as the extreme temperatures continue to impact infrastructure.

The excessive heat caused joint filler material used for asphalt and concrete to melt and clump within the tram rails and switches at numerous points across the network. This phenomenon has rendered safe tram operation impossible at this time. The company stated that the current conditions prevent them from ensuring the safety of passengers and operations.

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Due to the high temperatures, joint filler material for asphalt and concrete has run into the switches and rails in many places on the network – and clumped there.

The suspension affects all tram lines operating within the city. In response, bus services are expected to continue running according to their regular schedules. The LVB is advising passengers to consult current connection information before commencing their journeys to find alternative routes or transportation methods.

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Safe tram operation is currently not possible.