Heatwave-Induced Soil Shrinkage Disrupts Rail Services in England
Rail services across England are facing disruptions due to a heatwave causing soil shrinkage, which affects the stability of railway tracks. The phenomenon, known as 'soil moisture deficit,' results from prolonged dry weather, leading to the contraction of clay soils that support railway embankments. This has prompted several rail operators, including South Western Railway and Greater Anglia, to implement timetable changes and speed restrictions to ensure safety. The affected routes include those in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Essex, and parts of the Elizabeth line in London. Network Rail is employing engineering solutions, such as using tampers to stabilize tracks, to mitigate the impact. 
