Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

November 4, 2002

Forest/Jupiter and Downtown Garland stations open November 18

DART Test Trains Traveling LBJ/Skillman to Downtown Garland Corridor

With just a few weeks before DART's Forest/Jupiter and Downtown Garland stations open on Monday, November 18, test trains continue to travel along the 3.5-mile light rail corridor between LBJ/Skillman Station and Downtown Garland Station. In certain sections of the corridor the trains travel at up to 65 miles per hour.

DART light rail trains travel along the same rail corridor as the Dallas Garland Northeastern Railroad (DNGO) freight trains but at different speeds and on different tracks.

The seven train crossings on the corridor are clearly marked with signs, red flashing lights and crossing arms that come down prior to a train's arrival at the intersection. The train crossings are located at major intersections including Plano Road, International Road, Shiloh Road, North Garland Road, Newman Street, Glennbrook Street and 5th Street.

Train operators are conducting tests on an almost daily basis between Forest/Jupiter Station and Downtown Garland Station to become familiar with the route, timetable and operating characteristics of the train along the new track until the stations open on November 18.

The first tests, which began in August, were live wire and clearance tests. Using the light rail vehicle to check the traction electrification system, the live wire test determines if the right amount of electricity is getting to the vehicle as it travels the corridor. Electricity is transmitted to the vehicle through an overhead catenary wire from two electrical substations along the corridor.

The vehicle clearance test is done to make sure the train safely passes poles, over bridges and receives information from signaling systems along the track that help the train communicate with the train control center.

Be Safe: Look Out for Trains

While fences restrict access to most of the rail corridor, it's important to be aware that the rail line is active, with trains traveling up to 65 miles per hour. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists also are urged to follow these critical safety precautions: