The Platform

Your express stop for the latest Sound Transit news

Two people cross the street over light rail tracks in the Rainier Valley, with new safety signage on the pavement reading 'Look'
Media Caption
SDOT Director Greg Spotts and Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm check out the new pavement signage that encourages passengers to look both ways.

Working together on safety enhancements in the Rainier Valley

Publish Date

Whether you’re walking, rolling, biking, or driving, making sure you're safe around our light rail tracks is our number one priority.

Here are some of the latest safety enhancements we've been working on. 

Pavement signage

When it comes to track safety, we want to raise awareness that trains come from both directions.

People assume it’s okay to cross the tracks because one train has passed. And because they are only focused in one direction, they may not see the train coming from the other way.

Pavement signage is one tactic to alert people that trains come from both directions and to “Look” both ways.

Sound Transit has installed the "Look" pavement signage at the Columbia City, Othello, and Rainier Beach at-grade stations in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm points at the new 'look' pavement signage on a Link platform
A group of pedestrians safely crosses the street in the Rainier Valley

Dynamic message signs

In addition to the "Look" pavement signage, Sound Transit in partnership with SDOT has also installed dynamic messaging signage to alert pedestrians and cars to help further reduce potential accidents.

The “Another Train Coming” signs are brightly-lit LED signs to warn people to look for another train.

Another way we are helping to keep drivers safe are the railroad pavement markings for left hand turns and LED signage next to the traffic light signal.

This lets drivers know when it’s safe and, more importantly, not safe, to turn left over the tracks. These signs are installed at the Columbia City, Othello, and Rainier Beach at-grade stations.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

We are committed to keeping everyone safe, but we can’t do it alone. We need everyone to stay aware and alert when around the tracks.

Together, we can make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.

In recognition of Rail Safety Week this week, here are some other ways to stay safe around tracks and trains.

Back to The Platform

Categories