They’re rolling! First trains test LYNX tracks in University City

Jun 9, 2017 | Events, Light Rail

LYNX train

The first LYNX train to visit University City on the overpass at University City Boulevard

The first light-rail train ran on the University City stretch of the LYNX Blue Line Extension last week, as contractors and Charlotte Area Transit System personnel begin lengthy tests on the light-rail line’s complex electrical system. You can see the action via a Facebook Live video, already viewed 1,900 times on the Blue Line Extension Construction Updates Facebook Page.

“Soooooo why aren’t the crossing gates coming down guys?” one astute viewer posted, as the video shows the train crossing the Orr Road intersection on North Tryon Street with bells ringing and a dozen workers in hard hats and yellow vests keeping vehicles from getting in the way.

A CATS spokesperson responded, “Right now we’re testing the wires you see above the train (the overhead catenary system) to test power, connections to the OCS wires, and track power. We’re still working on all the signals, so we have traffic control right now monitoring intersections as we go through. Remember to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings: Look, Listen and Live!”

LYNX train at Orr Road

The LYNX train crosses Orr Road with help from workers.

That prompted another person to ask why the Blue Line Extension won’t begin running until 2018.

The response from CATS: “We’re working every day to open by or before March 2018! We still have a lot of testing to do to make sure the entire system is safe and reliable, because safety is our top priority.

“In the coming months, we’ll be testing communications equipment, doing Operations Control Center work and final safety integration testing. We’ll also be installing signals, crossing arms, additional signage, and road paving and markings.”

 

Tips for safety around LYNX line

  1. With trains running here for the first time, transit officials urge drivers and pedestrians to follow these safety guidelines:
  2. Any time is train time, testing can occur any time, seven days a week.
  3. Never drive around lowered crossing gates.
  4. It is illegal and dangerous.
  5. Obey all traffic signals and signs.
  6. Cross only at designated crosswalks.
  7. Keep away from all overhead wires that power trains.​

 

0 Comments


Receive Up to Date News


Receive Economic Development News


View Past Newsletters


View Post by Category


Press Releases

Meet Jordan Harris

This month, UCP welcomed Jordan Harris as the Director of Community Development and Outreach. With over a decade of community relations experience in various roles, most recently serving as the associate director of community relations at UNC Charlotte. In her new...

We’re Back…with a Vision!

University City Vision Plan – Connecting: People. Places. Nature. The growth and development being realized in University City is nothing short of transformational.  Major investments in transportation and mobility infrastructure, thousands of new rooftops, new...

University City launches Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadow

By Azania Herron University City Partners, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens and North Carolina Native Plant Society have partnered to install Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadows, a community native plant project in University City. On April...

New Farmers Market to open Oct. 3 at University Place

University City Partners announces the opening of University City Farmers Market on Oct. 3 around the lake at The Shoppes at University Place. Shoppers will find fresh local produce, food preparation programs and live entertainment. Open every Saturday in October The...

University City Wine Fest to Offer Socially Distanced Activities

New This Year: Wine on the Water and a Boutique Dining Experience.  Greystar University City Wine Fest will return this fall at multiple locations around the lake and boardwalk at Shoppes at University Place. The fourth annual festival will take place from September...

Where Will They Play?

We need more parks now – YOU CAN HELP A crisis caused by Charlotte’s explosive growth and government inaction threatens one of the most important assets of every truly livable city – public parks.   A recent nationwide study revealed that Charlotte has the least...