Work was delayed in early October due to scheduling conflicts and vandalism. As early as Friday, November 4th, Sound Transit contractors will begin sanding and polishing the Link Railroad in Tacoma city limits. This work results in a smoother track surface, which improves safety and reduces noise, vibration and long-term maintenance costs.
Rail sanding can be noisy and create sparks in the future area of the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension project. Communities adjacent to Link rails may experience traffic slowdowns and/or lane and road closures when orbital sanders pass on the roads. The City of Tacoma released a Temporary Noise Variance (TNV) for this work.
Access to hospitals, medical centers and emergency rooms will remain open during construction.
Rail grinding at the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension project site. The car was moving slowly along the rails at 2 miles per hour, with a maximum sound level of 77-86 decibels (normal traffic sounds that cause anxiety). An example of a track grinding video on an existing Tacoma Link Line: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aWuZ1yxb4CQ.
The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension will be sanded and polished. Nearby residents near the rails can hear the noise and see sparks from the work. These sparks will be neutralized by the spark shields on the machine. Parking signs will not be posted in the area where grinding is carried out every night. Contractors plan to start at MLK, then move on to Division, N 1st Street, then Stadium Way.
Join over 30,000 monthly readers for a free daily delivery of the latest news and information from West Pierce County straight to your inbox. Register here.
Post time: Nov-04-2022