[Southsider2k12]

With the extreme heat and humidity being predicted this week, if you are planning a trip on the South Shore be advised that the probability exists for a very slow commute. Extreme heat can cause sagging lines, which can easily be snagged. Because of this, NICTD operates their trains at significantly slower than the maximum speeds (usually 45 to 55 instead of the top of just under 70 mph) in this type of weather. Plan on 15 to 30 minutes extra train time. Trains were already seeing red signals this morning.

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.chestertontribune.com/Environme...hore_trains.htm

Short delays were expected throughout much of today on the South Shore Commuter Line, with trains likely to be operating on “heat restrictions.”

John Parsons of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) told the Chesterton Tribune that he was anticipating the enforcement of heat restrictions probably by mid to late morning and then for the rest of the day.

As a “precautionary measure,” he said, trains under heat restrictions are slowed to a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour when the rail head reaches a certain temperature. Severe, prolonged heat can also cause the overhead wires to sag, Parsons added, also prompting a reduced speed.

Under normal operating conditions, South Shore trains will travel—along certain stretches of track territory—at a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour.

The 55-mph maximum speed, however, would probably cause delays today of between 15 and 20 minutes.

Heat restrictions were in effect on the South Shore on Wednesday as well.

Parsons noted that Train 102—the first train of the day—was about 30 minutes late leaving Michigan City on Wednesday due to mechanical problems, while a signaling problem, believed to have been caused by the storm early Wednesday, caused six- to 10-minute delays during Wednesday morning’s rush hour.



Posted 7/21/2011