Leipzig halts tram service as extreme heat melts track beds

Heat damage means no trams will run in Leipzig until early Monday morning as temperatures soar across Germany, breaking new records. 

Leipzig Transport Authority (LVB) has suspended tram services until 3:30 am (0130 GMT) on Monday morning due to heat damage to tracks and points, the company said in a statement. 

Initially, the LVB had only suspended services until late on Saturday night, but then extended the stoppage. 

High temperatures in the eastern city have caused the joint sealant for asphalt and concrete in points and tracks to run and clump together in many parts of the network. Trams cannot operate safely at present, the company said.

All tram lines in the Saxon city are affected by the suspension. Buses are expected to run according to schedule as far as possible.