05:46 PM CST on Monday, December 29, 2003

By Jeremy Rogalski / 11 News

HOUSTON -- In just three days Metro's light rail will officially be up and running. But drivers are still confused along one stretch of rail down Fannin, between MacGregor and Holcombe.

Driving through the Texas Medical Center is not a simple as obeying a stoplight anymore. "I was warned to never get on this street," said one driver. "It's too confusing."

Confusing, perhaps, because of where you can and cannot go and when, specifically when making a left turn. At some places along Fannin Street cement dividers don't apply and turning cars actually share their lane with the light rail tracks.

That's where the new signage comes into play. "I trust that the arrow that is green that says I can go here is accurate," said Michelle Rodriguez.

"It's a computer talking to communications for the train," explained Metro Police Chief Tom Lambert. "The communications for the train are talking to the traffic boxes at the intersections."

Despite the red Xs and stay-off-the-tracks signs, the human factor can throw the synchronicity off. 11 News observed drivers cutting off rail trains or realizing they were in the wrong lane at the wrong time.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we had some more accidents here," added a Medical Center worker.

There will undoubtedly be a learning curve.

Lambert says his officers realize a certain amount of leeway is called for while the public becomes educated. But even now, during the test runs, Metro police can write tickets for improper turns. Fines can run up to $200.