Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is set to advance testing of its Silver Line Regional Rail, marking a significant milestone as it prepares for passenger service later this year. With 53 miles of new track installed, testing will now encompass the entire 26-mile regional rail corridor, starting with the central segment this spring.
Testing, which began in the fall of 2024, will expand to include a full range of vehicle operations on newly laid tracks, serving commuters in North Dallas, Addison, and Downtown Carrollton. DART crews have recently completed the installation and connection of more than 281,800 linear feet (53 miles) of track along the rail corridor.
“We’ve made substantial progress installing and preparing the track, signals, and crossings to ensure we can test our vehicles in this central segment safely and efficiently,” said Trey Walker, DART’s vice president of capital design and construction. “This is a major milestone and continues us on our path to have the Silver Line carrying passengers from Plano to DFW Airport and everywhere in between before year’s end.”
DART Silver Line test runs to begin the this week
Segmented testing will begin the week of April 27, 2025. This process involves testing specific segments of the track alignment as construction progresses across the 26-mile route. DART started this phase in fall 2024, with testing focused on infrastructure, signals, operating systems, and rail crossings between Plano and Richardson. Earlier this year, testing was extended to cover the segment from DFW Airport to the newly constructed tracks near I-35 in Carrollton.
With track connections completed between Downtown Carrollton and Dallas in mid-April, testing can now progress through this area. Simulated train test runs will begin between Downtown Carrollton Station and the University of Texas at Dallas Station in Richardson.
Initially, test runs will take place on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with increased activity as preparations for the launch of passenger service continue. These test runs will be for testing purposes only, and no passengers will be allowed to board during stops at Downtown Carrollton, Addison, Knoll Trail, and UTD stations. Flaggers will be present at crossings to guide drivers and ensure their safety.
Once operational, the Silver Line will run under a quiet zone ordinance along most of its 26-mile route. Train horns will only be used when necessary for safety, such as in the case of track obstructions. During testing, trains will sound their horns at all rail crossings to alert motorists and pedestrians. DART is also working with cities along the corridor to submit federal Quiet Zone applications.
The Silver Line is now over 90% complete, with major construction expected to finish by the end of June 2025. Later this summer, DART will begin full-route testing from Shiloh Road Station in Plano to DFW Airport Terminal B, integrating all previously tested segments.
Commuter rail, not light Rail
The Silver Line will operate as a commuter rail, not light rail. Manufactured by Stadler in Salt Lake City, the trains feature electric diesel multiple-unit (DMU) engines that meet stringent EPA standards. Designed for 235 passengers, the trains offer modern amenities, including multidirectional seating, overhead storage, and internal CCTV cameras. These vehicles are more similar to Trinity Metro’s TexRail fleet than DART’s existing light rail vehicles.
Spanning 26 miles, the Silver Line will connect seven North Texas cities—Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano—serving as a key transportation link between DFW Airport and Shiloh Road. With a double-track alignment crossing three counties (Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant), the Silver Line will provide a safe, quiet, and comfortable ride, enhancing mobility and accessibility across northern DART service areas.
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