Commuters warned train tracks will buckle in heatwave

Train commuters have been warned to expect problems on the network with steel train tracks likely to buckle during the intense heatwave the state is experiencing. HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

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Train commuters have been warned to expect problems on the network this week with steel train tracks likely to buckle during the intense heatwave that NSW is experiencing.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said additional maintenance workers and medical staff were being put on across the network to help deal with expected fallout from the heat.

“I’m expecting, given the challenge with the heat, we might see some disruptions to the network and we’ll respond accordingly should that occur,” Mr Constance said.

Temperatures reached up to 33 degrees for commuters at Town Hall Station on Wednesday night. Picture: Henry Lynch

It was also a hot wait for commuters on platforms at Town Hall Station. Picture: Henry Lynch

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This afternoon, power supply problems have forced buses to replace light rail services between John Street Square and Lewisham West, but no train issues were reported during peak hour. One traveller was treated for heat-related issues.

Commuters travelling home from Town Hall train station tonight suffered through intense temperatures while they waited for their trains, with the thermometer reaching 34C on the lower platforms of the station.

The heat was made worse by bumper crowds and throngs of travellers dressed in suits after a long day at the office.

Agitated commuters could be seen wiping sweat from their foreheads and anxiously waiting for their train — and its airconditioned carriages — to arrive.

One commuter was even walking around without a top, trying to stay cool in the sweltering summer heat.

Busker James Bleakley, 27, said the heat today was “like a boiler”.

“I usually play here for about two or three hours,” he said. “It’s like a boiler down here … I have a bag of rags to wipe the sweat off. It’s pretty brutal.”

North shore local Jake Adler, 31, said he couldn’t wait to get cool.

“Its been a brutal day in the sun,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to jumping into that pool as soon as I get home!”

Commuters have been warned the heatwave could cause train delays. Picture: Henry Lynch

But Charlie McPherson, 28, said the heat was bearable — for now.

“It’s a small thing to bear, but it is hot down here,” she said. “I was in aircon all day, so it’s been cruisy.”

The majority of the state is forecast to exceed 41C from today until Friday, something the Bureau of the Meteorology said it had not been seen in 80 years.

A Sydney Trains spokesman said one commuter needed medical attention as a result of the heat today.

“We have had one incident of a heat affected customer who required medical attention earlier today,” he said.

“We urge customers to not hesitate in immediately alerting our staff and not board the train if they feel unwell.”

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said additional maintenance workers and medical staff have been put on. Picture: Richard Dobson

Temperature records were broken today in White Cliffs and Wilcannia while Sydney sweltered through the heatwave.

White Cliffs posted its highest daily temperature at 48.2 degrees, Wilcannia was narrowly behind at 48.1

The hottest spot in Sydney was Penrith with the mercury topping 40 degrees just after 4pm.

Camden and Richmond had similar highs, recording 39 and 38.9 degrees.

For some, the heat was too much to bear.

NSW Ambulance paramedics rushed to Cabramatta West Public School just before midday, to treat three children suffering from heatstroke at a holiday camp. The children, a boy and two girls, were vomiting and exhausted.

The 10-year-old boy was taken to Liverpool Hospital suffering from heat exhaustion, and the girls were treated at the scene. It is understood they had been wearing hats and were in the shade when they began to fall ill.

In Sydney’s CBD the temperatures stayed about 31 degrees, but this is expected to increase tomorrow.

Bureau of Meteorology weather services manager Jane Golding said the heatwave meant January temperature records have been beaten in western parts of the state.

Overnight temperatures have also remained high with the mercury sitting at 33C in some places on Tuesday night.

Ms Golding said much of the state will peak on Friday before a cool change on Saturday.

Penrith is forecast to reach 45C on Friday with Sydney to hit 34C while temperatures of 47C are expected to continue in western NSW.

Sydney train commuters have being warned there could be delays across the network as hot temperatures continue.

Mr Constance has urged commuters to delay non-essential travel and to ask transport staff for help if they feel ill, with bottled water to be available at stations.

“Please be careful of the dangers associated with the heatwave we’re experiencing, particularly in Western Sydney.”

He said airconditioned Waratah trains that were meant to be out of service for routine maintenance this week were being put back into the system to ensure more passengers had airconditioned trains.

“We have worked around the clock in terms of (making) additional maintenance staff available for any additional challenges that might beset the network,” Mr Constance said.

Beachgoers cool off at Bronte Beach in Sydney today.

“I’m expecting Labor to be blaming me in the next 24 hours for problems with the heat and transport network but the hard, cold reality is there’s very little we can do when you’ve got this degree of heat hitting steel tracks.

“At the same time we want to make sure we’ve got the staff on board as quickly as possible to be able to respond.”

Meanwhile authorities are reminding people to take extra care during the extreme heat by staying indoors, minimising physical activity and keeping hydrated.

People over 75 and those with chronic medical conditions, as well as those living alone, are particularly vulnerable.

“We know that conditions like these can cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths,” NSW Health’s Richard Broome said.

Energy Minister Don Harwin said measures in place would meet energy demands during the next few days and residents shouldn’t be worried about using air conditioners.

Authorities are reminding people to stay indoors, minimise physical activity and keep hydrated.

Air quality is also expected to worsen because of the heat, with high ozone levels forecast across the city.

Dr Broome said ozone can irritate the lungs and advised people with asthma to keep their relieving medication on hand.

“Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, and generally highest in the afternoon and early evening, so limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day and in the evening helps people to not only keep cool but to limit their exposure to ozone pollution,” he said.

Transport issues today

* Buses are replacing light rail services between John Street Square and Lewisham West due to power supply issues at Lilyfield. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time. Light rail services are still running between Central and Fish Market, as well as between Lewisham West and Dulwich Hill.

* For the latest public transport information, visit www.transportnsw.info.