Mudslide hits Seattle-Everett rail corridor

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway spokesman says a Wednesday evening mudslide from a slope adjacent to the main rail line between Seattle and Everett has halted passenger train traffic in the corridor until Monday.

EVERETT, Wash. — Gus Melonas says a Sounder commuter train was in the area when the slide hit and some debris ended up against the train's wheels. He says the train was not damaged, was inspected and has moved through the area.

There were no injuries.

Rail crews responded to remove the debris. Melonas says freight train disruption was expected to be minimal.

The slide struck a half mile south of the Everett train depot and measured 10 feet wide by 30 feet long and 4 feet deep. The area has been hit by heavy rain in recent days.

Sound Transit will work with BNSF Railway officials to investigate the mudslide and slope stability along the corridor before determining when to resume service.

Rail passengers will be bused between Seattle and Everett.

The SoundTransit's website will have updates for Northline Sounder service.

Transit officials said the Southline Sounder service between Seattle and Lakewood is not affected and will operate as scheduled.

KIRO