Hot Weather Could Delay Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Riders All Week

BOSTON (CBS) -- Passengers on the Commuter Rail's Framingham/Worcester line could be delayed all week due to the hot weather.

Commuter Rail operator Keolis said Monday that speed restrictions are in effect that limit trains to 30 mph on some sections of the tracks. Riders should be prepared for delays between 10 and 30 minutes.

"Speed restrictions on the Framingham/Worcester Line have been a historic issue due to the nature of the rail line, which was acquired by the Commonwealth in 2012," Keolis said in a statement. "Because no records exist about how the former freight line was constructed, the speed restrictions are a safety precaution in the event that the rail on that line buckled or shifts in high heat conditions."

The heat restrictions may have to last all week as temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s and low 90s all week.

"We apologize to our passengers on the Framingham/Worcester Line for the heatrelated delays," said Keolis Commuter Services General Manager Gerald C. Francis. "The safety of our passengers is our single most important priority as we deal with some of the hottest days of this summer."

Keolis and the MBTA are working on a "destressing" project to end the need for heat restrictions by the summer's end.

Riders on the Commuter Rail and the T faced major delays earlier this year during a record-setting winter.