accessibility@soundtransit.org
800-201-4900 TTY: 711Why crossing safety?
A safe community is a strong community, and "at-grade crossings" are critical points where safety, mobility, and connectivity intersect.
The Sound Transit system includes multiple at-grade crossings. Safer crossings mean improved access for those interacting with tracks and trains, with fewer disruptions to daily life.
Our key safety focus areas
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Train-Vehicle
Areas where train traffic intersects with vehicle traffic.
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Train-Pedestrian
Areas where pedestrians are traveling on the same surface level as the train.
What is an at-grade crossing?
What is an at-grade crossing?
An at-grade crossing is a designated location where a railway track intersects with a road or path at the same level. Both the railroad and the roadway or pathway cross each other on the same surface without any bridges or tunnels separating them.
Here's our plan
The At-Grade Crossing Program to implement widespread safety enhancements is currently in motion.
The Program Master Plan will:
- Facilitate safety enhancements at at-grade crossings.
- Focus early enhancements on Rainier Valley - this area has had the highest concentration of safety incidents since Link service began in 2009.
- Establish Program priorities and processes to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential safety enhancements.
- Provide a transparent process for Program and project decisions.
Safety enhancements at a glance
Safety enhancements come in many forms. Some are regulatory while others go beyond regulatory standards to address specific areas of concern.
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“Another train coming” LED signage
Train-triggered LED signs. Train icon illuminates when one train is approaching, “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” illuminates when a second train is approaching.
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Pavement markings
Markings enhanced and/or applied to streets and/or sidewalks to alert vehicles and pedestrians that they are entering areas that cross the tracks.
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Alternating (wig wag) train headlights
A visibility mechanism added to trains – headlights alternate (on/off or high/low) when a train approaches an intersection.
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Train bell volume increase
An increase in the volume of the bells that sound as trains approach crossings.
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Automatic pedestrian crossing gates
Physical barriers designed to operate in coordination with approaching trains.
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“No left turn” signs for drivers turning left over tracks
No left turn signs for drivers will be added and/or placed at eye level.
Input opportunity: Safety enhancements by location
Crossings exist in many different areas systemwide, each with its own environmental, cultural, and infrastructural characteristics. Sound Transit tailors projects to address the specific needs of each location. Learn more about safety enhancement projects and provide feedback.
Click to enlarge
To connect with someone directly about the Program and associated projects, email Seth Daphne Esmeson, Program Manager - Transit Safety sethdaphne.esmeson@soundtransit.org.
Link 1 Line
(Royal Brougham Way & SODO Busway)
- ADA Ramp Improvements
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- Automatic pedestrian gates pilot
Google Map Location
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage
- ADA ramp improvements
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- STOP HERE pavement markings
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage
- ADA ramp improvements
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- STOP HERE pavement markings
(S Edmunds St & MLK JR Way S and S Alaska St & MLK Jr Way S)
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- Automatic pedestrian gates pilot
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage upgrades
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- Other pedestrian crossing upgrades
- Pavement markings to enhance trackway visibility pilot
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- Other pedestrian crossing upgrades
- Pavement markings to enhance trackway visibility pilot
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- Other pedestrian crossing upgrades
(S Myrtle St & MLK Jr Way S and S Othello St & MLK Jr Way S)
- Automatic pedestrian gates pilot
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage upgrades
- Other pedestrian crossing upgrades
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
(S Henderson St & MLK Jr Way S)
- SMART Grant Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- Automatic pedestrian gates pilot
- Alternating (Wig Wag) train headlights pilot
- Increased volume of train bells pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” signage upgrades
- Pavement markings to enhance trackway visibility pilot
- SMART Grant vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology pilot
- “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING" sign enhancements
Continuous enhancements
The process illustrated here will continually guide systemwide safety enhancements. Used to establish new enhancement opportunities and project priorities and to evaluate overall effectiveness, it centers on partner and community participation.
How will projects impact you?
Safety enhancement projects may cause minor, but temporary, disruptions to your typical commuting experience; No major delays or closures are expected. We will update with impacts as we are aware of them.
Click the pink “Sign up for alerts” button at the top of your screen to be notified about projects in your area.
Test your transit safety awareness!
Safety enhancements are paramount to traveling safely on transit, but your awareness and understanding of transit safety protocol provides an extra layer of prevention for you and your friends, family members, and neighbors that will help make your commute and your community as safe as possible. Take this four-question quiz!
Question 1 True or False, trains only travel in one direction.
Incorrect
Answer: Trains come from both directions, so always be alert to your surroundings, and always expect a second train!
Question 2 What should you do with electronic devices when traveling near rail tracks?
Incorrect.
Answer: All of the above! Being preoccupied near rail tracks never leads to a positive result. Headphones off, screens down, and phones put away, so you can keep your mind present on where you are.
Question 3 True or False, the yellow strip on station platforms is there to beautify the station environment.
Incorrect.
Answer: Nope, it's not just a splash of color. The yellow strip creates a boundary between the train and the station platform. Step back and look up to make sure you are at a safe distance from where the trains will be. Also, do not run in this vicinity—you may think you are fast, but trains are faster.
Question 4 When cycling or scootering near train tracks, what is the best way to cross the tracks?
Incorrect.
Answer: Roll smart, cross tracks at 90 degrees. Watch your wheels around rails and always remember to pay attention when cycling or scootering around train tracks. When riding across tracks, be sure you are at a legal crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks carefully. Always cross tracks at a 90-degree angle to avoid getting your tires stuck in the track.
