Mudslides plague railroad tracks near Mukilteo

MUKILTEO, Wash. – Mudslides have been hitting the railroad tracks along Puget Sound between Mukilteo and Everett almost faster than Burlington Northern Santa Fe can clean them up.

Spokesman Gus Melonas said that after three slides overnight Wednesday, there were six more Thursday. The slides were as big as 6 feet deep and 30 feet wide.

The railroad has equipment ready to clear the slides because the section of track was hit dozens of times last year and is vulnerable after recent heavy rains.

Melonas said freight trains are rolling again, but Sound Transit Sounder and Amtrak trains must wait 48 hours for safety. Rail passengers are bused during the moratorium.

Associated Press