DART plans more Silver Line tests through Plano, Richardson

Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials will begin a second series of tests in Silver Line Railroad between Plano and Richardson starting August 25th.

The essence

The tests will run from Shiloh Road Station in Plano to Waterview Parkway in Richardson, according to a DART news release. Silver Line vehicles are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from August 25 to 28.

Flaggers will be present at every level crossing to help motorists and pedestrians cross the train tracks. During the test, railway engineers and crews will test the timing and duration of gates, lights and warning signals at each crossing.

Silver Line vehicles will make simulated stops at 12th Street Station, CityLine/Bush Station and UT Dallas Station. No passengers will be picked up during stops. All Silver Line stations are still active construction sites, so pedestrians are not allowed on nearby platforms or walkways during testing.

Also for the record

Silver Line vehicles and freight trains operated by Kansas City Canadian Pacific will run on the tracks during testing as rail crews test a rail break near the CityLine/Bush Station. Freight trains will resume operating at their normal scheduled times, from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., once the testing is complete.

Looking back

The Silver Line is a 26-mile railroad that will traverse seven North Texas cities once completed. DART officials began testing Silver Line vehicles along the Trinity Railway Express tracks in May.

Testing is expected to continue different segments of the Silver Line railway later this fall before ending in early 2025. DART will test the full track in summer 2025.

The Silver Line is expected to open to revenue service in late 2025 or early 2026.