East Link Construction Underneath the East Channel Bridge

May 2018 East Link Construction Underneath the East Channel Bridge

Reduced boat clearance Sound Transit’s East Link Extension has been working to retrofit the East Channel Bridge for future light rail construction and operation. To do so, crews have Suspended work installed temporary suspended work platforms to the platform underside of the bridge.

The main channel will remain navigable but may be narrowed as work moves from east to west and platforms move from pier to pier. Boat clearance has been reduced to approximately 59 feet below the work platforms. For safety, when work is occurring, boats will be directed around the suspended platforms. Additional amber warning beacons have been installed Approximately 59’ to warn boaters.

All boaters should still be vigilant and navigate with care around the East Channel Bridge. Safety is our top priority; please use appropriate boater etiquette and follow speed and navigation signs near the bridge.

Mercer Island boat launch staging area Beginning later this spring, Sound Transit will use a Photo of the East Channel Bridge with work platforms. portion of the Mercer Island Boat Launch parking area for construction staging. Some parking spaces and access to the boat launch will be maintained throughout construction. Additional boat launch parking is available at Mercer Island City Hall.

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What to expect Work hours will be Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Installation of a suspended work deck below the East Channel Bridge. This deck will be visible from Enatai Beach and the surrounding area. Boat clearance has been reduced to approximately 59’ in areas where work platforms have been installed. The main channel will remain navigable but may be narrowed. Intermittent noise from pneumatic tools may be noticeable as crews fabricate steel stiffeners and install them inside the East Channel Bridge’s box girders.

Why is Sound Transit installing seismic retrofits? Seismic retrofits are standard design practices for seismically vulnerable areas, including the Pacific Northwest. Major structures are designed and built to current seismic codes and older structures are retrofitted to meet current standards. For East Link to operate on the floating bridge and other structures, and to meet Federal Transit Authority regulations, Sound Transit is retrofitting structures along the project’s alignment.

Stay informed Get project updates: soundtransit.org/subscribe Contact our Community Outreach team: 206-398-5465 or [email protected] Learn about our project: soundtransit.org/eastlink

East Link Extension is a key element of the regional mass transit system approved by voters in 2008. This 14- mile light rail line will benefit local communities and support regional growth with fast, frequent and reliable light rail service, connecting Seattle to the Eastside’s biggest population and employment centers. The project builds on the Central Link light rail system running between Angle Lake and University of Washington. East Link is part of the new light rail extensions being built north, south and east from Seattle.