Mudslide work underway on slide-prone areas near Everett and Mukilteo

Sounder Train
Photo courtesy Sound Transit

Multiple mudslides from the north end of the Sound Transit train route created delays for riders along the route, include those who take the train from Edmonds.

Sound Transit projects began in August at four slide-prone areas near Everett and Mukilteo, three near Mukilteo and the other near Everett. Work includes retaining walls, slide detection fences for early mudslide warning, erosion control and improved drainage systems.

The four projects are expected to be completed by the end of this month. Two other projects between Edmonds and Mukilteo were completed in 2013. The good news is that no train blocking events occurred in those two areas during the last rainy season.

The construction effort is part of the $16.1 million in federal funds targeted in six areas near Everett and Mukilteo to reduce the risk of mudslides. The State Department of Transportation, along with BNSF Railway Company, Amtrak, Sound Transit and local jurisdictions are working together on the mudslide issue between Everett and Seattle.

Meanwhile, many more riders are taking the Sounder north line this year. Through August, boardings were up 18 percent compared to 2014.

--Mike Harbour, Sound Transit Acting CEO