Leipzig's trams grind to a halt as extreme heat warps the tracks

Leipzig’s tram network has faced major disruptions since Saturday. Extreme heat damaged the rails, forcing most services to halt. Only one line has resumed partial operation, avoiding the city centre loop. Scorching temperatures softened the asphalt and concrete joint sealant in the tracks. The material hardened into clumps, blocking switches and preventing normal service.

Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) called for public help to clear the hardened sealant. Residents were asked to bring sturdy shoes, high-visibility vests, and putty knives. The first organised cleanup started at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Gördelerring tram hub. The effort aims to restore tram services as quickly as possible. Without full clearance of the tracks, normal operations cannot resume. LVB relies on community support to speed up the recovery.