Sound Transit Advances Floating Bridge Testing
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
I-90 Floating Bridge testing of the 2 Line’s Crosslake Connection.
Sound Transit
SEATTLE - Sound Transit advances testing on the floating bridge.
In September, RT&S reported that Sound Transit began testing with its LRV crossing the I-90 floating bridge. This was reportedly the first time trains under power have operated across a floating bridge. The single train crossed the bridge multiple times “at increasing speeds, from approximately five miles per hour up to the full operating speed at 55 mph.”
Now, Sound Transit has given an update on the testing. Since the first test on September 8, it has “graduated to a four-car train, testing consistently at full speed – about 55 mph.” Sound Transit shared a video discussing live wire testing, which is part of its system integration testing phase. In a YouTube Short, Sound Transit takes viewers behind the scenes of testing.
The agency says it has conducted live wire testing to “calibrate and adjust the overhead catenary system that powers our trains” as well as “testing signals, traction power, and communications in recent weeks.” Sound Transit has made progress on this testing and expects said testing to continue through the end of the year.
During the day, crews are free to make track repairs and any other work needed before its operators test the new segment. According to the report, the final construction tasks are “related to dual blocks that support the tracks along the approaches to the bridge and other concrete work.”
Sound Transit says it will continue to make preparations for Crosslake with work in downtown Seattle this month.
