O-Train running at reduced speeds as temperature soars above 30 C

An O-Train on Line 1 pulls into Bayview Station in this undated image. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)

Your train trip may be a little slower today, as both OC Transpo and VIA Rail implement speed restrictions due to the hot weather.

A heat warning remains in effect for Ottawa today, with the temperature expected to hit 36 C.

• ‘Dangerously hot’ weather continues in Ottawa. Temperature could hit 36 C today

OC Transpo has temporary speed restrictions on O-Train Line 1, Line 2 and Line 4 due to the hot weather, the transit service tells CTV News Ottawa.

OC Transpo says when the temperature climbs above 30 C, procedures are in place to safely run trains on above-round sections of the track.

“Safety is paramount and we take numerous precautions to ensure our trains and rail are protected during extreme temperatures,” OC Transpo says on its website.

“All railroads can experience sun kinks, and at OC Transpo we have procedures in place that allow us to safely operate the O-Train.”

Sun kinks are when a piece of track warps, bends or buckles during the extreme heat.

OC Transpo says slowing down the train on above-ground sections of the train will protect the trains and decrease the chances of sun kinks expanding and becoming worse.

“When the temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius, trains will return to their normal speeds,” the transit service says.

Maintenance staff will also be increasing inspections on Line 1, Line 2 and Line 4.

VIA Rail

VIA Rail is warning travellers may experience delays on trains operating from Ottawa to Montreal and Toronto due to the heat.

The Crown corporation says delays are possible on all trains operating on the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.

“For safety purposes, the railway infrastructure owner could be forced to impose speed restrictions, which could result in delays at departure or on route,” VIA Rail said on X.