Monorail's two trains to undergo test runs

With little more than a month to go before service resumes, the monorail trains are taking a few test runs.

The monorail has been closed to the public since November, when the two trains sideswiped near Westlake station.

As part of the repair process, trains may move on the track, said David Heurtel, Seattle Center spokesman. The blue train moved Thursday.

The repairs are estimated to cost $3 million to $4 million, which includes improvements to the trains, other mechanical upgrades such as an automated stopping system, and repainting columns, according to Seattle Monorail Services.

The monorail's scheduled reopening date — Aug. 1 — hasn't changed.

"There's nothing right now to indicate that we're going to be done before schedule," Heurtel said.

The 1-mile line carries thousands of tourists between Seattle Center and Westlake Center.