Network Rail is using 1,500 litres of white paint to cover tracks across the UK ahead of the summer months, aiming to keep services running.

Sections of the network, including in Cheshire, will be painted white to reflect the sun and reduce overheating.

2024 was Europe's warmest summer on record, with heat potentially causing serious challenge for the railway, including buckling rails and overheating.

Sections of the rail network, including in Cheshire, will be painted white to reflect the sun and reduce overheating (Ryan Parker).

Buckled rails due to heat caused more than 350,000 delay minutes for passengers between the 1 April 2023 and 31 March of last year.

Rails in direct sunshine can be as much as 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature.

With the tracks being made of steel, they expand as they get warmer.

According to Network Rail, a railway track painted white is five to 10 degrees cooler than one left unpainted.

Industry weather response director at Network Rail, Lisa Angus, said: "Soaring temperatures on the railway can put a huge amount of pressure on our infrastructure.

According to Network Rail, a railway track painted white is five to 10 degrees cooler than one left unpainted (Network Rail).

"With extreme weather events becoming more frequent we're working hard to keep passengers moving through the summer months ahead.

"Last year, we announced plans to invest £2.8 billion over the next five years to make the network more resilient to the issues caused by climate change; helping to keep our railway safe, improve performance and minimise disruption."

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