UP tackles rare sun-kink in Calif. Tracks

UP tackles rare sun-kink in Calif. Tracks    Days of triple-digit temperatures in California's Central Valley left Union Pacific dealing with a rare bit of weather-related repair work.
   UP officials said a routine inspection led to the discovery of a sun-induced weak spot in track running near Pleasanton. According to the railroad, while very rare in California, the sun can cause micro-fractures and/or bends in the tracks.
      In this case, the track tried to expand due to the intense heat but with nowhere for expansion, the track instead kinked.
   While originally thought to be a very quick fix, UP repairs to the Pleasanton-area track kept the line closed for about three-and-a-half hours, stranding nearly 1,500 people that normally ride the Ace Trains through the area.
   Engineers from the railroad, which normally inspect the tracks once a week, said they will increase the number of inspection due to forecasts of more triple-digit days.