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

Leipzig’s tram network has faced major disruptions since Saturday. Extreme heat damaged the rails by softening and clumping joint sealant. Most services remain out of action as a result. The high temperatures caused asphalt and concrete sealant to melt and harden on the tracks. This left the rails unusable for most tram lines. By Monday, only one line had resumed partial service, avoiding the city-centre loop.

Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) has now asked the public for help. A cleanup effort started at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gördelerring tram hub. Volunteers are being urged to bring sturdy shoes, high-visibility vests, and putty knives to remove the hardened material. The public response will determine how quickly normal service resumes. LVB’s call for assistance aims to speed up the removal of sealant from the tracks. Until then, tram operations in Leipzig will remain limited.