D.C.: Silver Line's Final Safety Testing Scheduled for End of This Month

[marmar]

The agency building the Silver Line Metrorail extension through Virginia's Tysons Corner is raising hopes that the first phase of the $6 billion project could open to passenger service this spring.

After weeks of delays to fix software glitches involving the trains’ automated safety system, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority says its contractor will perform a final test of 10 eight-car trains Jan. 25-26 between the East Falls Church station and the new Wiehle Avenue station in Virginia.

“That would be the last major test that needs to be done,” said Pat Nowakowski, the project’s executive director. “With the completion of that test, Dulles Transit Partners (the contractor) will be in a position to finalize all their documentation that they have successfully completed all the tests on the project.”

Once the contractor group, led by Bechtel, submits its documentation, MWAA has 15 days to review and accept it. Only then may MWAA hand the Silver Line to Metro, which will have up to 90 days to complete its own testing before opening the rail extension to passenger service. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.wnyc.org/story/silver-lines-final-safety-testing-scheduled-end-month/

[VanillaRhapsody]

1. cannot wait for this....

will be so nice not to have to find someone to take me to the airport!