SMART To Resume Overnight Testing Between Larkspur And San Rafael

LARKSPUR, CA — The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit agency will resume overnight testing of its railroad crossing warning equipment and train control systems on the new line to Larkspur this week.

SMART will conduct testing from 9:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1, between downtown San Rafael and Larkspur.

Related: SMART Train To Test New Route To Larkspur

Railroad crossings will be tested multiple times using trains, according to the agency. The train horn will be used at the crossings as required by federal regulations.

The testing is a "necessary step to ensuring the public safety of each crossing between San Rafael and Larkspur," the agency said in a news release. The testing also supports the city of San Rafael's efforts to establish a quiet zone in the area.

"SMART understands that the use of the train horn during this testing phase can be disruptive, and requests the public's patience as staff works hard to complete this testing phase as efficiently as possible," the agency said.

Construction on the Larkspur extension began in the summer of 2017. SMART plans to officially start service to Larkspur later this year.

For updates on SMART's systems testing for the Larkspur extension, visit SonomaMarinTrain.org or call 707-794-3077.