[NFBSea] Fwd: Link light rail update - scaffolding at east end of northbound platform at Westlake

Mon May 8 18:43:31 UTC 2023

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Hamby, Beth <beth.hamby at soundtransit.org>
Date: Mon, May 8, 2023, 10:22 AM
Subject: Link light rail update - scaffolding at east end of northbound
platform at Westlake
To: ADA Accessibility <accessibility at soundtransit.org>

Good morning accessibility stakeholders,

This morning Link 1 Line service was restored to operating both directions,
following the single tracking that was necessitated for safety reasons when
a non-Sound Transit construction activity along Pine Street damaged the
ceiling of the Westlake Station on April 27.

Please note that, at Westlake Station, a portion of the east end of the
northbound (Northgate) platform has been narrowed to 5 feet, due to
scaffolding for the repairs under way to the tunnel ceiling above that
area.  The 5 foot platform width includes 2 feet for the detectable warning
strips along the edge of the platform and 3 feet of the regular platform
surface.  This narrower platform area spans the openings of the two doors
closest to the front of the northbound (Northgate) train.  The scaffolding
is necessary to conduct the repairs and protect the safety of all
passengers.

I understand that there will be a security presence at that end of the
platform to assist in the event crowding on the platform would impact
accessibility.  As a precaution, passengers traveling northbound to
Westlake Station may wish to board a different rail car, or at least avoid
the first two doors at the front end of the train, to avoid that narrower
portion of the northbound platform at Westlake.

More information about restoration of service is provided in the news
release forwarded below.

Please let me know if you have questions related to accessibility of the
reopened platform.

Best regards,

Beth Hamby (she/her)

Senior Program Manager-Accessible Services

Passenger Experience

Desk: 206.717.9075

Sound Transit

www.soundtransit.org

[image: Sound Transit's logo]

*Sent:* Sunday, May 7, 2023 5:55 PM
*Subject:* Regular Link light rail service to resume Monday morning

[image: Sound Transit logo]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — May 7, 2023 *

*Regular Link light rail service to resume Monday morning *

*Passengers will no longer need to transfer at Pioneer Square; trains will
be running every ten minutes during peak hours Monday with normal
eight-minute peak frequencies Tuesday*

Link light rail will return to regular service when trains begin running
tomorrow morning, ending an unplanned period of single tracking through
downtown stations. During peak hours on Monday, trains will be running
every 10 minutes instead of the usual eight minutes while service ramps up.
By Tuesday, trains are expected to be running at their normal eight-minute
frequency during peak hours.

The return to regular service means trains will no longer be single
tracking through downtown stations, and passengers will not be required to
transfer at Pioneer Square station if they are traveling in either
direction beyond that point.

Sound Transit was forced to disrupt Link service on April 27 to investigate
the damage caused when a non-Sound Transit construction crew working at
street level broke through the roof of the tunnel above Westlake station.
While no one was injured at the time, subsequent examination of the damage
showed that it was more significant than originally thought, necessitating
the emergency service disruption for the safety of passengers.

The closure of the northbound platform allowed Sound Transit personnel to
more closely examine the damage and determine what repairs will be
necessary. Crews erected scaffolding on the station platform to remove
debris and inspect the area. They will be removing the scaffolding tonight
and the platform will be fully open tomorrow morning. Work will be
continuing to repair the damage, but in a way that allows for a return to
service.

A language line is available to provide translation assistance for limited
English proficiency persons at 800-823-9230.

Sound Transit remains committed to working closely with its partners to
continue serving the public. Efforts will continue to prioritize serving
riders who depend on Sound Transit’s services, including seniors, people
with disabilities, Title VI protected populations (race, color, national
origin), low-income and limited-English-proficiency populations.

Riders can sign up to receive automatic email service alerts for Link light
rail, ST Express, T Line, Sounder N Line and Sounder S Line. Rider Alerts
provide information about schedule changes and help riders plan trips
around inclement weather. Just go to soundtransit.org/Subscribe-to-alerts
<http://www.soundtransit.org/Subscribe-to-alerts>.

*NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:* John Gallagher (206) 300-1597 or
john.gallagher at soundtransit.org
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