METROLINK TRAINS SLOWER FOR SAFETY HEAT CAN AFFECT RAILROAD TRACKS.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - During the lazy, hazy days of summer, it's not just an illusion that trains go slower. Metrolink schedules have been off for the past few weeks because of heat orders issued for passenger safety.

Passengers are not amused.

``Yes, they do run slower in the summer - however, in prior years not to the point of causing delays of up to 45 minutes several days in a row,'' said Valencia resident Cathie Kincheloe, who rides the Metrolink to her downtown Los Angeles office. ``I know last week my friend had to reschedule an appointment because she could not arrive in time to make it.''

``Heat orders'' will remain in affect as long as the sweltering weather continues, Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Turrell said. Thursday marked the ninth consecutive day in Santa Clarita where the temperature topped 100 degrees.

``Unless we have cold summers, heat orders will be issued when the temperature goes up,'' Turrell said. ``Tracks are continuously welded rail, which is why you no longer hear `clickety-clack' as you travel. In extreme temperatures, which is anything above 90 degrees, expansion could occur causing a sun kink, where the track shifts laterally.''

On hot days, the sun can heat rails 35 degrees higher than the air. On a 95-degree day, rail temperature could be 130 degrees, possibly compromising the condition of the welded segments. Tracks are visually inspected in the heat of the afternoon and heat orders can be issued for several days as a precautionary measure.

What that means to commuters is their ride home runs 10 mph to 20 mph slower than normal. Morning trains are not always affected, but afternoon trains have been delayed by 30 to 45 minutes by the safety precautions.

``We don't want to be running at high speeds if the track is affected,'' Turrell said. ``But when we run slower, it's noticeable to our clients and they do complain. The main thing is that at the end of the day, they know we've done this for their safety.''

Carol Rock, [phone]

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

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Metrolink trains have been running slower because of the heat. The sun can heat rails 35 degrees higher than air temperatures, leading to the possibility of safety problems. Afternoon trains are more likely to be affected by slower running times.

David Crane/Staff Photographer