A little more on this, I just got an email from the U:there will be testing of cars under their own power in the "U" area beginning tomorrow night. (per an mpr twitter note i saw today)
With significant construction complete, testing will now begin on the vehicles, power lines and systems associated with Central Corridor Light Rail Line. Even through passenger service is still months away, systems testing means that light rail vehicles will be moving through campus at different times during the day and night. Pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers need to be extra-cautious as this new element is added to our already crowded campus transportation mix.
Power Source Testing tomorrow
On Thursday morning, July 25, a railcar mover will pull a light-rail vehicle through campus at walking speed. The vehicles will move from the West Bank Station to the Stadium Village station, and then return to the West Bank. The test should be complete by early afternoon.
Then beginning at 10:00 p.m. Thursday and continuing until 3:00 a.m. Friday morning, the overhead wires will be electrified and a light rail vehicle will travel through campus under its own power. The light rail vehicle will travel between the West Bank and Stadium Village stations a number of different times at varying speeds – up to the regular operational speed.
Both vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be affected by the overnight testing. For vehicles, Washington Avenue will be closed from Walnut Street to Huron Boulevard and the Washington Avenue crossings at Harvard, Walnut and Ontario Streets will also be closed. For pedestrians, the crossings at Church and Union Streets, as well as the western pedestrian bridge in front of Coffman will be closed. Central Corridor staff will be on hand to assist drivers and pedestrians and answer questions.
Electromagnetic Interference and Vibration Testing
On Monday, August 5 testing will begin to assess the level of electromagnetic interference and vibration generated by light rail vehicles moving through campus. The testing will take place between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. and will last well into September. During the testing light rail vehicles will travel through campus many times during the overnight hours and the movement of vehicles, elevators and similar equipment will be restricted within 200 feet of the light rail line. More details on the EMI and vibration testing will be available soon.
Green Line Safety Videos
With the start of systems testing on campus, Metro Transit has introduced a Green Line Quiz Bowl safety video and public service announcements aimed at student audiences. The video and PSAs are the latest components of the project’s safety campaign. Visit the Green Line safety webpage for complete safety information.
