This weekend a GO train will be reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour during a special speed test to be conducted at level crossings in Guelph.
Under normal circumstances, a GO train travelling through level crossings at Glasgow Street, Yorkshire Street, Edinburgh Road and Alma Street in Guelph would be limited to about 16 kilometres an hour.
On Sunday, Metrolinx will be conducting some speed tests for GO trains travelling through Guelph between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
There will be no road closures during the tests, said a news release by Metrolinx. Extra staff and contractors will be at each level crossing throughout the test to monitor and direct traffic where needed.
Metrolinx public relations staff will be in the area to let neighbours know about the dangers of crossing or travelling on the rail right-of-way.
The train will be travelling back and forth through new signals at the level crossings, with speeds increasing incrementally over the course of the test, with the train eventually reaching a speed of 80 kilometres an hour.
Metrolinx says the test will involve a train moving a lot quicker than locals are used to but that it will be safe. In the release it reminds the public that entering the rail corridor or crossing at non-designated areas is very dangerous and against the law.
The tests are one step in the process of increasing the speed of GO trains travelling through Guelph. This fall Metrolinx is expected to allow for a permanent increase in speed through the city, with details to be shared in the future as those plans are confirms.
