Floating Light Rail Bridge Crossing Marks Historic Moment for Seattle Transit

A Link light rail train crossed a floating bridge in Seattle using its own power last week, marking a historic first, according to a report from KOMO News. The test paves the way for more testing in the lead-up to the opening of the 2 Line Eastside extension in 2026. “The highly anticipated 2 Line crossing Lake Washington will connect the Eastside to downtown Seattle.”

A press release from Sound Transit notes, “Another unique element is that the floating bridge segment isn’t new; it’s been in service for many years, first as the I-90 express lanes, and now being converted for light rail trains. As many of you may know, WSDOT oversees the floating bridge, and they’ve been our project partners from the start. Our two agencies are coordinating closely to get the bridge ready for train traffic together — ensuring that the mix of old and new systems work together as intended, including tunnel ventilation fans, electric current isolation systems, and much more.”

This is “the first time in the world trains under power are operating across a floating bridge,” say Sound Transit officials. “The train traversed Lake Washington on the Homer M. Hadley bridge multiple times, gradually increasing its speed from approximately 5 miles per hour to the full operating speed of 55 mph, according to Sound Transit.”