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It's so cold in Chicago train tracks are being set on fire by workers

As the lowest temperatures for a generation sweep through much of the USA, train tracks in Chicago are literally being set on fire to keep the trains operating.

When temperatures dip below zero degrees the metal train tracks can contract and cause the bolts holding the rails in place to come loose or even crack. Therefore, maintenance crews will coat a rope in kerosene and set it alight right next to the track. Once the rails are heated, the tracks will be re-bolted, or repaired with welds.

According to ABC News, crews discovered yesterday that some of the track switching mechanisms were not working properly around Chicago, despite having devices that are designed to stop them from freezing and therefore had to employ the eye-catching fire technique.

Temperatures in Chicago this morning are reported to be -20 degrees Celcius, with the wind chill off Lake Michigan making things even chillier.

【ギャラリー】Freezing weather caused by polar vortex7