Bellevue homeowners near Lake Washington are threatening to sue Sound Transit, claiming the agency’s 2 Line trains are violating city noise standards and disrupting sleep for residents in the Enatai neighborhood.
The dispute centers on the East Channel Bridge, where an expansion joint generates a low-frequency rumble as trains pass. Residents say the sound penetrates walls and windows, and have documented roughly 50 overnight train crossings between 12:45 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
In an eight-page letter sent to Sound Transit leadership on June 8, residents and their attorney allege the agency has been aware of the issue since testing began but has responded with “delays, stonewalling, silence, and broken commitments.” The letter claims Sound Transit repeatedly promised noise monitoring and updates but failed to deliver.
The letter also raises concerns that Sound Transit may not have fully assessed the bridge expansion joint’s noise impact during the East Link project’s environmental review, and flags potential effects on wildlife habitat along the Lake Washington corridor.
Bellevue’s noise code sets stricter limits during nighttime hours in residential zones, with recent amendments specifically aimed at protecting sleep.
As an immediate remedy, residents are asking Sound Transit to reduce train speeds over the East Channel Bridge between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., arguing the change would have minimal effect on riders while meaningfully reducing overnight noise.
Sound Transit has not publicly responded to the June 8 letter.
