Sound Transit’s light rail system currently includes 49 at-grade crossings, where cars, people, trains, and other modes of transportation can come into conflict. In 2023, there were 26 collisions with light rail vehicles, so it’s clear we have work to do to improve safety around these crossings. At yesterday’s Sound Transit’s System Expansion Committee, which I chair, I introduced a motion to make progress on this critical issue. This motion recognizes the need to advance regional solutions as well as to prioritize areas where the needs are greatest, like in Seattle’s Rainier Valley Corridor.
Traffic safety has been a top priority of mine for a long time, from passing a Vision Zero policy as Mayor of Bellevue to elevating safety in the regional transportation work of Puget Sound Regional Council to recently introducing a Safe System approach motion at the King County Council. This legislation to improve safety for all of Sound Transit’s at-grade crossings systemwide comprises another critical component to reaching our goal of reducing the risk of serious injury and deaths in all aspects of our transportation system. I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the region on Sound Transit to ensure we are making our transit system not only fast, frequent, and reliable, but also as safe as possible.
On Monday, I toured the I-90 segment of the East Link light rail project with other Sound Transit board members to see progress towards completing it, which will connect the recently opened 2 Line on the Eastside with the 1 Line. Due to construction problems, the opening of the I-90 segment was delayed and this tour gave us an opportunity to examine fixes, including reconstructing plinths, repairing polyurea coating, and replacing pre-cast dual blocks. When the I-90 segment of the 2 Line opens in late 2025, riders will be able to get from Redmond Technology Station to the International District in just over 30 minutes—try doing that in a car at rush hour!
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