In its new position on extreme heat, CIHT highlights the growing impacts of rising temperatures on transport infrastructure, operations, workers and users. With the UK experiencing increasingly frequent and intense heat events, including temperatures exceeding 40°C for the first time in 2022, transport infrastructure must be designed and managed for future climate conditions rather than relying on historical weather patterns.

Extreme heat can place significant pressure on the transport network. High temperatures can cause asphalt to soften, railway tracks to buckle and overhead power lines to sag, while buses, trains and other vehicles may overheat. Bridges can also experience additional strain through the expansion of joints.

The impacts extend beyond infrastructure. Extreme heat can pose serious risks to transport workers and users, while disruption to services can have wider economic and societal consequences. CIHT highlights that children, older people, outdoor workers and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.

The Institution also emphasises the need to consider passenger comfort and safety during periods of extreme heat. Walking, wheeling and cycling can become more difficult or unsafe, while people waiting outdoors or travelling in hot vehicles can be exposed to significant heat. During the June 2026 heatwave, Network Rail advised passengers to make only essential journeys in affected areas. Public transport operators should also proactively manage passenger demand and avoid overcrowding on buses and trains, particularly when delays or cancellations result in large numbers of people waiting to travel.

CIHT is calling for a more proactive, evidence-led and whole-life approach to resilience. This includes using forward-looking climate projections in infrastructure design, embedding resilience throughout asset management, and increasing long-term investment in adaptation rather than relying on reactive maintenance after problems occur.

The position also highlights opportunities for innovation, including nature-based solutions such as urban greening and sustainable drainage systems, more heat-resilient construction materials, and digital technologies that enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

CIHT is calling on government, transport authorities and the wider sector to embed extreme heat resilience into transport policy, funding, standards, asset management and operational planning. This should be supported by long-term investment in adaptation, better use of climate projections, stronger monitoring of asset performance, and practical measures to protect transport workers and users during periods of extreme heat.