Local

Semi-truck strikes Tukwila rail bridge, causes Sounder delays

TUKWILA, Wash. — Sound Transit south line Sounder trains are delayed Monday morning after a semi-truck hit the Tukwila Bridge.

The bridge is at the Tukwila Sounder train station at 7301 Longacres Way.

As of 7 a.m., trains, which were being held at the Tukwila Station, were delayed by 40 minutes.  As of 7:50 a.m., trains were again moving, but at a slower pace because of the backups, and the 40 minute delay remained.

The semi-truck’s cab was sheared off and part of the truck’s trailer was also damaged.

The driver said he thought he could make it under the bridge, but the truck hit the bridge and the driver tried to back up.

“It shook me up a little bit and I got a little nervous. Most of the damage happened when I backed up,” he said.

The driver said his phone's GPS took him to the route. He said his trailer clearance is 10 feet 10 inches tall, and the bridge is 11 feet 6 inches tall.

The bridge's tracks and overpass were inspected for damage. Gus Melonas with Burlington Northern Santa Fe said the track does have damage, but they are allowing all general traffic to use the bridge at a reduced speed of 25 mph.

Further assessment will be done and repairs may have to be made.