Published October 24 2023
Drill is part of preparations for light rail opening
In preparation for the anticipated opening of the Link 2 light rail “starter line” next spring, Sound Transit, in coordination with Bellevue’s Fire and Police departments and other local agencies and partners, will conduct an emergency training exercise Saturday, Oct. 28, at several Bellevue light rail stations and facilities.
The training, at facilities including the East Main and Bellevue Downtown stations, will simulate an emergency scenario in the downtown tunnel. People passing by may see theatrical smoke, emergency vehicles and volunteers acting and dressed as victims. Sound Transit asks that people not linger in the area, as they may disrupt the drill.
This drill is one of many steps Sound Transit and the City of Bellevue are taking to prepare for opening of the starter line, which will run between South Bellevue and Redmond. Regular practice helps participating agencies and partners respond effectively in a real emergency.
There will be lane closures during the day to provide emergency personnel room to work, including 110th Avenue Northeast being reduced to one southbound lane between Northeast Fourth and Sixth streets — both northbound lanes will be closed. There will be no access to the City Hall visitor parking during this time. Full lane reduction and street closure information is at Traffic Advisories. Please be patient, observe posted signs and obey police officers and flaggers directing traffic.
To learn more about the Link 2 starter line, visit SoundTransit.org/eastlink. For questions about the drill, contact Rachelle Cunningham, Sound Transit public information officer, at rachelle.cunningham@soundtransit.org.