Light rail train crosses Lake Washington under power

The Link light rail train achieved a groundbreaking milestone by crossing the I-90 Homer M. Hadley floating bridge under its own power on September 8-9, 2025. This event marks the first instance of a powered light rail vehicle traversing a floating bridge globally. During tests between Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations, crews reached speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, demonstrating the train's capabilities. These tests are crucial components of the System Integration Testing for the 2 Line’s Crosslake Connection, which aims to enhance transit options between Seattle and the Eastside.

A successful tow test of an unpowered train was completed in May, paving the way for these powered tests. Local commuters can expect to see trains operating on the floating bridge intermittently over the next several weeks. This development not only represents a technological achievement but also signals progress in the broader initiative to improve regional transit infrastructure. The integration of light rail services is anticipated to benefit the community by enhancing connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.