Record temperatures are causing significant disruptions to rail and highway systems in Germany, with malfunctioning air conditioning in trains and damaged road surfaces reported.

The heatwave has led to overheating signals and sagging overhead lines on railways, while autobahns are experiencing melted bitumen and ‘blow ups’ of concrete slabs, affecting travel nationwide.

Experts warn that immediate solutions are unlikely, with a backlog of 130 billion euros in infrastructure investments and decades needed to upgrade highways for heat resilience.