# Sound Transit Lake Washington rail project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sound-transit-lake-washington-rail-project
> Updated: 2026-09-05T00:45:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Sound Transit implemented a pioneering passenger rail line on the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge over Lake Washington. This project represents the world’s first rail line to operate on a floating bridge structure, utilizing a specialized track system designed to accommodate the multi-dimensional movement of the bridge caused by wind, waves, and seasonal water levels.

Following the opening of the Crosslake Connection in March 2026, reports emerged regarding fish deaths near the I-90 floating bridge. The Washington State Department of Transportation alerted officials to the issue after discovering dead fish near anode strings used in the bridge’s cathodic protection system, which manages metal corrosion via low-level electrical currents.

Sound Transit officials suggested the deaths may have resulted from the anode strings making contact with the lakebed. In response, the agency raised the cables by August 23 to prevent further contact. Sound Transit is currently collaborating with engineers, biologists, regulatory agencies, and Tribal fisheries managers to identify the root cause and establish a permanent solution.

## Claims

- The Washington State Department of Transportation reported finding dead fish near anode strings on the I-90 floating bridge on August 3. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sound Transit believes the fish deaths may be caused by anode strings from the cathodic protection system touching the lakebed. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- By August 23, Sound Transit raised the cables to prevent them from contacting the bottom of Lake Washington. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Crosslake Connection, part of the Link 2 Line, opened on March 28, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Sound Transit investigates fish deaths near Lake Washington bridge

Sound Transit is investigating fish deaths near the I-90 floating bridge on Lake Washington, potentially caused by anode strings from a cathodic protection system touching the lakebed.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sound-transit-investigates-fish-deaths-near-lake-washington-bridge

### 2026-09-01: Sound Transit launches world's first floating bridge rail line

Sound Transit has launched the world’s first passenger rail service on a floating bridge over Lake Washington, using advanced engineering to navigate the bridge's constant movement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sound-transit-launches-worlds-first-floating-bridge-rail-line

---
Cite as: Sound Transit Lake Washington rail project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sound-transit-lake-washington-rail-project