Silver Line: Yes, That's a Train Above Route 7

Those who live and work in Tysons Corner can expect to see more and more trains running above Rt. 7 in the coming months as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority tests the tracks on the Silver Line.

Officials say that testing, which has been ongoing for the last few months, is proceeding smoothly.

The Silver Line’s first phase, running from East Falls Church to Reston, is expected to be complete and operational by December 2013. As the opening date draws nearer, folks will likely see more trains coming and going.

Deborah Humphries works in Tysons Corner on Old Meadow Road, with an office overlooking the tracks. She took the photo with this story on Tuesday and sent it to Tysons Corner Patch via Twitter.

The tests above ground follows an announcement from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority deeming the Silver Line tunnel in Tysons safe.

Testing for the Silver Line tunnel in Tysons, which runs under the busy intersection of Rt. 7 and Rt. 123, had experienced some settling in recent months.

MWAA conducted a study to ensure trains could safely run through. The settling into the soil was ruled routine and no further work will be needed, officials say.

Among other recent issues riders worried could push back the line's opening date: delays on the rail yard project at West Falls Church.

Initially, officials worried the delays could push the Silver Line’s opening date to 2014, but MWAA says construction is still on schedule and the line is expected to open at the end of 2013.