BE ALERT: Expanded light rail train testing on MLK Jr. Way in Seattle

Sound Transit reminds Rainier Valley motorists and pedestrians to be alert along Martin Luther King Jr. Way South as the agency ramps up intensive light rail testing along the five miles of at-grade tracks through Rainier Valley in Seattle.

Sound Transit began limited train testing along MLK Jr. Way South last summer and is now ramping up test runs throughout the day every weekday in preparation for opening the system in July. During this phase of light rail testing, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and others can expect to see the light rail vehicles on the track between Rainier Avenue and Boeing Access Road at any time between 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sound Transit police are also working with local law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement of all traffic and pedestrian laws along the alignment. Drivers and pedestrians should be alert and obey all traffic signs and signals; only cross the street at designated crosswalks or traffic signals.

Sound Transit has distributed safety education information and materials to more than 10,000 Seattle school students at 23 different schools in Southeast Seattle, Tukwila and Renton. This spring Sound Transit will continue its targeted safety education program aimed at students along the alignment with new materials and communications tools.

Sound Transit reminds motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to be alert and keep the following precautions in mind:

• Only cross at designated crosswalks and signalized intersections. Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Link trains are electric and very quiet. Whenever you are around trains or tracks, remember to watch for trains.
• Always look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains can travel in any direction, on any track, at any time. After a train passes, another train may be coming from the opposite direction.
• Do not walk, stand, or park a vehicle on the tracks. Trains can arrive at any time.
• Stay away from the track switches that are used to change train directions. These switches are very powerful and can move at any time without warning.
• Trains may run at any time, day or night. Be alert and be safe.
• Never race a train or try to beat it through an intersection.
• When crossing the tracks on a bicycle, always cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle to prevent your bicycle tires from getting stuck in the tracks.

For more information on Link safety, see: www.soundtransit.org/linksafety