At-Grade Crossing Program
Enhancing safety at critical points where tracks and trains intersect roads and paths.

Frequently asked questions

Anticipated project timelines may change as the Program evolves. Revisit this webpage for status updates. You can also sign up to receive real-time project alerts. Use the pink “Subscribe Now” button at the bottom of the page.

Projects are selected and prioritized using a three-step process: First, potential enhancements are screened to confirm that they meet guidelines, will improve safety, and do not present additional safety risks. Next, potential challenges — such as cost, timeline, approvals, and past success — are reviewed to understand risks and operational impacts. Finally, enhancements are rated and prioritized based on their potential to improve safety while also considering community impacts, reliability, maintenance needs, and staff training. This process allows the team to evaluate potential improvements quickly and consistently. 

The scope, timeline, and overall progress of the Master Plan projects depend on close coordination with regional agencies. In many cases, key stages require formal approval. Sound Transit relies heavily on its strong partnerships with regional agencies that oversee vehicular traffic flow, road safety, and physical infrastructure for vehicles and pedestrians. These collaborations are essential for successful project planning and implementation, particularly where street and transitway solutions must integrate seamlessly due to separate infrastructure responsibilities and authorities. For instance, SDOT is a crucial partner regarding the work in the Rainier Valley and SODO segments. SDOT is generally responsible for changes to its roadways, which include car speed limit changes, lane reductions, vehicle gates, restricted vehicle movements, and closing or consolidating intersections. Sound Transit is committed to collaborating with regional partners to understand the feasibility of further exploring safety enhancement ideas.

Details of this process and jurisdictional oversight can be found in the Master Plan. 

The Master Plan was finalized in July 2025. You can view it here.

Program communication and engagement stay consistent with Sound Transit's Program communication and engagement stay consistent with Sound Transit's Equity and Inclusion policy by implementing broad strategies to reach a wide array of audiences and prioritizing meeting community members where they are. This webpage is one example of this communication and engagement in action; the Safety Pledge is another. For project-based construction notifications, use the pink “Subscribe Now” button at the bottom of the page and select At-Grade Crossing when noting your preferences.

 


 

The roadway and associated traffic laws are not fully within Sound Transit’s jurisdiction. Sound Transit partners with other jurisdictions, like cities and counties, to optimize safety measures near tracks and trains, but oversight of the roadways and vehicle traffic law enforcement falls to these jurisdictions. Safety commitments and enhancements are unique to each.