Sound Transit Completes Live Wire Test on Floating Bridge

For the first time in history, a light rail vehicle has crossed a floating bridge under its own power. Just before midnight Monday evening, Link vehicle 219 traveled between Mercer Island station and Judkins Park station via the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge. Unlike the tow test in May, the vehicle in yesterday's test was powered by the overhead wire.

Link train crossing the I-90 floating bridge (Michael Smith)

This test marks a significant milestone for the very delayed full East Link Extension. If this test passed Sound Transit's requirements, pre-revenue service between International District/Chinatown station and South Bellevue station should start later this year. The projected opening date for the full 2 Line is April 25, 2026.

Link train crossing the I-90 floating bridge (Michael Smith)Link train transitioning from the floating bridge to the static bridge (Michael Smith)Link train traveling under the I-90 westbound traffic lanes about to enter Mount Baker Tunnel (Michael Smith)