Update: Mayor Dave Earling Responds to Breakdown of Train in Edmonds

Updated at 3 p.m. with quote from Mayor Dave Earling.

When Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling and others spoke at the City-sponsored , a common concern was a delay in emgergency personnel reaching the west side of the railroad tracks due to the expected increase in train traffic.

On Wednesday, those fears were realized when a southbound BNSF train broke down and blocked traffic at the waterfront. The delay, which affected ferry traffic, lasted about 45 minutes, according to My Edmonds News.

“It is ironic that such a major interruption of service would happen only two weeks after our Don’t Block Our Beach rally,” said Earling.

While ferry traffic was obviously impacted, the greater issue was one of public safety, said Earling. With both Dayton and Main streets blocked for about 45 minutes, access to the waterfront was completely cut off.

“This incident simply highlights the concerns that I and City Council have over the increased train count projected for Edmonds," Earling said, "and the resulting interruption of a major commerce ferry corridor and ongoing waterfront safety issues.”

Edmonds resident Michele Burdett was among those trapped for a while on the beach side of the tracks. See her accompanying picture.

"(This is) exactly the situation Mayor Earling and emergency responders are so concerned about," wrote Carolyn Douglas in an email to Edmonds Patch.

See story and pictures on Edmonds KOMO.

"Don't Block Our Beach" Web site.