Fish Die Near I-90 Bridge After Light Rail Launch Raises Environmental Concerns
Since Sound Transit began light-rail service over the I-90 floating bridge, roughly 2,000 fish have been discovered dead near the bridge’s underwater power cables.
Sound Transit launched a light-rail route across the I-90 floating bridge in March 2026, creating the first rail connection between downtown Seattle and the Eastside. By late summer, about 2,000 fish were found dead near the bridge where electrical cables and related hardware extend into Lake Washington. The deaths have prompted a joint investigation by Sound Transit, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other regulators.
Early analysis suggests fish may be contacting live parts or suffering stress from electromagnetic fields generated by the equipment. Officials are inspecting the underwater systems for insulation failures, increasing monitoring, and consulting biologists to assess fish health. Potential remedies under review include better shielding, rerouting cables, installing deterrents, and adjusting power levels, though each option carries cost and operational challenges.
Why it matters
The incident highlights how new infrastructure can unintentionally harm local ecosystems, prompting scrutiny of environmental safeguards.
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