LRT project moves into testing phase

There’s now traffic on the light-rail transit (LRT) tracks in Eden Prairie, just not the kind that signals commuter use of the Metro Green Line Extension – at least, not yet.

Vehicles seen traveling the elevated LRT tracks near Eden Prairie’s Purgatory Creek Park last week weren’t part of a train but a rail grinder, removing the rust-like “mill scale” that naturally accumulates on the tracks.

The rail grinders use multiple rotating grindstones to keep the tracks smooth, ensuring safety and reducing noise and vibration once LRT trains are operating. Maintenance of the rails is occurring to keep them in good shape until the 14.5-mile LRT line connecting Minneapolis and Eden Prairie becomes operational in 2027.

James Mockovciak, a community outreach coordinator with the LRT project office, said rail grinding is the first of several stages that will continue for another 12 to 14 months under “system integration testing.” That phase involves running the system under real-world conditions while some construction continues.

Most noticeable to motorists will be testing at rail crossings where LRT tracks meet roadways, including warning lights, bells and gate arms. Those features have been in place for a while but inactive until now. That’s about to change as their electrical and mechanical components are tested.

In Eden Prairie, LRT at-grade crossings are located at West 70th Street, Viking Drive/Flying Cloud Drive, Technology Drive and Eden Road.

Testing will also involve actual use of the rail line.

“In October, we anticipate pulling/pushing two, three-car ‘consists’ from Target Field to SouthWest Station, where they will be stored for testing,” said Mockovciak. “Consists” refers to connected passenger rail cars.

“The cars will be initially pushed/pulled along the corridor and through intersections as testing proceeds,” he added. “At some point this fall, the trains will be running independently.”

In all, more than 4,000 tests need to be completed. “This phase is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of the light rail system before passenger service begins in 2027,” said the LRT official.

Construction of the Green Line Extension is more than 85% complete, according to the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency in charge of the project.