Safety alert: Link light rail high power lines turned on this weekend

As part of the preparations for Link light rail train testing this summer and passenger service in 2009, Sound Transit contractors will energize the new overhead electrical lines that power the trains in the Rainier Valley beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 9.

Sound Transit reminds all neighbors and the general public to follow the same precautions with overhead Link light rail power lines as they would with other high power electric lines.

Consider these wires energized, or “hot,” at all times. Any contact with the overhead power lines can cause serious injury or death. If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1, stay away, consider it dangerous.

And remember to stay off the trackway and out of all construction areas. Crews continue to use the trackway during construction and trains will be coming soon.

• Never touch the train’s overhead electrical lines.
• Never throw items or fly kites near overhead electrical lines.
• Never touch a downed power line.
• Never walk, bike, jog or play on the tracks.
• Cross only at designated crosswalks.

Link light rail construction began in late 2003 and is about 90 percent complete. The 13.9-mile rail line from Westlake Station to Tukwila / International Blvd Station opens in summer 2009, with a 1.7-mile extension to Sea-Tac Airport opening by the end of 2009.

Light rail trains are currently making test runs between Sound Transit’s Operations and Maintenance Facility in SODO and the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel during. Light rail trains are scheduled to make test runs through the Rainier Valley to Tukwila by the end of this summer.

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Sound Transit’s regional network of express buses, commuter rail, light rail and transit facilities connects communities in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.