Great Western Main Line: Temperature

The Department works closely with Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) to improve the resilience of rail services to extreme weather, including periods of high temperatures. Network Rail is responsible for rail infrastructure and has a programme of works to improve resilience to heat, including upgrading track materials, enhancing overhead line equipment, improving earthworks stability, and implementing real-time track and asset monitoring to identify risks such as rail buckling. Great Western Railway works in collaboration with Network Rail to adapt timetables and operational practices during periods of extreme heat, including the introduction of temporary speed restrictions where necessary to ensure passenger safety. The operator also continues to invest in more modern rolling stock, which is designed to perform more reliably in a wider range of temperatures and to provide improved passenger comfort.