Seattle's First Powered Light Rail Vehicle Crosses I-90 Floating Bridge
The move marks a historic milestone for both the agency and transit industry — the first time in the world that trains under power are operating across a floating bridge.
A single train crossed the Homer M. Hadley bridge several times at increasing speeds, from approximately five miles per hour up to the full operating speed of 55 mph.
Photo: Sound Transit
The first Sound Transit Link light rail vehicle crossed the I-90 floating bridge under its own power, enabling the start of a series of tests to prepare for the opening of the full 2 Line in early 2026.
The move marks a historic milestone for both the agency and transit industry — the first time in the world that trains under power are operating across a floating bridge.
Sound Transit’s Link Testing
A single train crossed the Homer M. Hadley bridge several times at increasing speeds, from approximately five miles per hour up to the full operating speed of 55 mph.
The test was conducted overnight so that crews could observe and document expected electrical arcing, typical in this phase of testing, between the overhead power wires and the light rail vehicle.
Live wire and signal testing are part of the system integration testing program, which will be completed over the next few months.
Testing will continue between the Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations intermittently throughout the coming weeks.
More Rail
Trinity Metro Breaks Ground on $270M TEXRail Extension
The 2.1-mile extension will connect Fort Worth’s Medical District and Near Southside to downtown, surrounding communities, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
Amtrak Completes First Street Tunnel Upgrades, Restores Service
The nine-day construction project included replacing aging track infrastructure and modernizing switch systems near Washington Union Station.
Read More →
FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide
The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
FTA Advances $164M Broward County Commuter Rail Project
The proposed 10.5-mile commuter rail extension would connect Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, expanding passenger rail options in South Florida.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →