Sound Transit investigates fish deaths near Lake Washington bridge
Sound Transit is investigating reports of dead fish near the I-90 floating bridge over Lake Washington. The Washington State Department of Transportation alerted officials on August 3 after discovering dead fish near anode strings used in the bridge's cathodic protection system.
This electrical management system uses low-level current to prevent metal corrosion. Sound Transit officials believe the issue may have been caused by the anode strings making contact with the lakebed. To address this, the agency raised the cables by August 23 so they are no longer touching the bottom.
Sound Transit is working with fish biologists, engineers, regulatory agencies, and Tribal fisheries managers to determine the root cause and implement a permanent solution. The agency noted that similar electrical management systems are used globally on aquatic structures without impacting fish populations. The Crosslake Connection, which includes this floating bridge, opened in March 2026 as part of the Link 2 Line.
Entities
I-90 floating bridge · Lake Washington · Sound Transit · Washington State Department of Transportation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Crosslake Connection, part of the Link 2 Line, opened on March 28, 2026. www.bellevuereporter.com · www.issaquahreporter.com · www.vashonbeachcomber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] By August 23, Sound Transit raised the cables to prevent them from contacting the bottom of Lake Washington. www.bellevuereporter.com · www.issaquahreporter.com · www.vashonbeachcomber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Washington State Department of Transportation reported finding dead fish near anode strings on the I-90 floating bridge on August 3. www.bellevuereporter.com · www.issaquahreporter.com · www.vashonbeachcomber.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sound Transit believes the fish deaths may be caused by anode strings from the cathodic protection system touching the lakebed. www.bellevuereporter.com · www.issaquahreporter.com · www.vashonbeachcomber.com