Metrolinx has started testing its light-rail vehicles (LRVs) on the above-ground section of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT route for the first time.
This means train cars coupled together, increased speed testing, brake tests and concurrent vehicle testing.
Earlier this spring, the first six LRVs were moved from the Eglinton maintenance and storage facility (EMSF) to Rosemount Drive on the surface level section of the route by transport truck. They were then connected to the overhead catenary system (OCS) and driven west to the underground storage area.
Since then, crews have been commissioning the vehicles. This included testing communications systems and signals that interact with the LRVs and running the LRVs at slow speeds.
While these are exciting times, Metrolinx officials are reminding all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists that these are still active construction sites and to continue to exercise caution around these areas.
Most importantly, pedestrians should only cross Eglinton Avenue at intersections.
Testing will continue regularly for the next few weeks. Once the testing is done in the fall, the six vehicles will head back to the maintenance and storage facility.
