Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

November 19, 2002

Bush Turnpike, Downtown Plano and Parker Road stations open on Monday, December 9

DART Test Trains Traveling Galatyn Park to Parker Road Corridor

With just a few weeks before DART's Bush Turnpike, Downtown Plano and Parker Road stations open on Monday, December 9, test trains continue to travel along the 3.2-mile light rail corridor between Galatyn Park Station and Parker Road Station.

Train operators are conducting tests on an almost daily basis between the stations to become familiar with the route, timetable and operating characteristics of the train along the new track until the stations open. In some sections of the corridor the trains travel up to 65 miles per hour.

The nine train crossings on the corridor are clearly marked with signs, red flashing lights and crossing arms that come down prior to a train's arrival at the intersection. The train crossings are located at these major intersections: Glennville Drive, Infocom Drive, eastbound SH-190 Frontage Road, westbound SH-190 Frontage Road, 14th Street, 15th Street, 18th Street, 22nd Street and Park Boulevard.

Be Safe: Look Out for Trains
While fences restrict access to most of the rail corridor, it's important to be aware that the rail line is active, with trains often traveling at high speeds. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are urged to follow these critical safety precautions:

• Always obey traffic signs and signals
• Do not go around crossing arms
• Never assume you have the right-of-way
• Expect a train on the tracks at any time
• Never stop or stand on train tracks
• Cross tracks only at marked crosswalks