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Sound Transit reached a milestone on its Sounder commuter-rail extension yesterday, when crews began rail and signal testing on more than eight miles of new track.

Crews began running Sounder test trains up to 40 mph from Freighthouse Square in Tacoma, Wash., to the South Tacoma and Lakewood stations, Sound Transit officials said in a prepared statement.

Train speeds will increase gradually to 60 mph during the next several weeks as crews complete signal and crossing gate testing and monitor train operation on new rail lines.

“Soon, more Pierce County residents will be able to take advantage of the first-class service Sounder provides along a 73-mile rail corridor, and at a time when average weekday ridership on Sounder is up 20 percent — a record for our commuter-rail program,” said Sound Transit Chairman and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy.

To prepare for the increase in train activity, Sound Transit launched a safety education program earlier this year to raise public awareness about being safe around newly active tracks.

The agency plans to launch service in October. A specific date has yet to be determined.