Seeing first responders, smoke, and victims in Bellevue? Don’t worry, it’s just a drill

BELLEVUE, Wash. — If you see what looks like a large emergency response at some Bellevue transportation stations on Saturday, don’t panic: It’s only a drill.

A training exercise will happen at several facilities, including the East Main and Bellevue Downtown stations on Oct. 28.

Sound Transit is conducting the drill ahead of the opening of the Link 2 light rail “starter line” next spring. Once completed, the starter line will run between south Bellevue and Redmond.

Bellevue fire and police departments, as well as other partners, will participate.

So what can you expect? Sound Transit said the training will appear to be an emergency incident happening in the downtown tunnel. Passers-by may see emergency vehicles, smoke, and people dressed as and acting as if they are victims.

The transit agency is asking anyone who sees the drill to move on, so the exercise isn’t interrupted.

In addition, as emergency responders work, lanes will be closed during the day to give them room.

Closures include 110th Avenue Northeast being reduced to one southbound lane between Northeast Fourth and Sixth streets — both northbound lanes will be closed. There will be no access to the City Hall visitor parking during this time.

Full lane reduction and street closure information can be found at this link.

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