BART launches new train-testing phase on Berryessa Extension

Yesterday, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) began a new train-testing stage along the 10-mile Berryessa Extension running from Fremont to San Jose, California. Testing could occur up to 20 hours a day and continue for several months, according to a press release issued by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

VTA is overseeing construction of the Berryessa Extension, which is the first phase of BART's 16-mile Silicon Valley Extension. 

During this test period, residents "may experience sporadic noise and vibrations," VTA officials said.

Before VTA began building the BART Berryessa Extension, the agency analyzed noise and vibration impacts to the community that would result from future BART service. Several measures were built into the project to mitigate noise and vibration for neighboring communities during service operation. For example, VTA built new sound walls, made the BART tracks "quieter" and "softened" the noise from equipment, VTA officials said.

During the test phase, train speeds, frequencies, length and overall weight will differ from what they'll be during actual passenger service and operations. As a result, future noise testing and analysis will begin in several months when simulated service testing begins, VTA officials said.