Sound Transit: Light Rail Update
Sound Transit is currently in the midst of a transformative period, marked by the rapid expansion of its light rail network. Having successfully launched three major extensions—the Tacoma T Line expansion, the initial Eastside 2 Line, and the Lynnwood Link Extension—the focus now shifts to completing the remaining projects within the next two years. The forthcoming 2 Line extension to Downtown Redmond is poised to open in Spring 2024, with crews finalizing station construction, installing public art, and conducting crucial live wire and pre-revenue testing. This extension will add two new stations, enhancing connectivity within the Eastside.
The East Link Extension, connecting the Eastside to Seattle via I-90, presents a more complex undertaking. Construction quality issues have led to delays, particularly in the I-90 segment, which includes the challenging Homer M. Hadley floating bridge. To manage the remaining work effectively, the project has been segmented into three phases. The first segment, from South Bellevue to the Mercer Island Tunnel, is the most advanced, with systems testing underway. The second segment, from International District/Chinatown to the Mount Baker Tunnel, is preparing for electrical systems testing in January. The third segment, encompassing the floating bridge, requires meticulous work, including polyurea coating and precise track alignment, to address the bridge's dynamic movement. Sound Transit is employing specialized survey teams to ensure accuracy, targeting trains on the floating bridge in early 2025 and a late 2025 opening.
Simultaneously, the 1 Line extension to Federal Way is progressing smoothly, on track for its 2026 opening. Significant milestones, such as the completion of an innovative bridge over unstable soil and the installation of overhead catenary systems, have been achieved. Live wire testing is also underway, and a new bus loop at the Federal Way Transit Center will open in March to facilitate seamless transfers. Adding to the network's growth is the NE 130th St. Infill station in North Seattle, also scheduled for a 2026 opening. This station, being added to an existing line, requires careful coordination to minimize passenger disruption during construction. The next major task is the installation of the station roof in early 2025.
As Sound Transit's ambitious light rail expansion progresses, the region stands poised to reap not only the benefits of enhanced connectivity but also the significant potential for increased development opportunities. The new stations, from the Eastside to Federal Way and North Seattle, will serve as catalysts for growth, attracting investment and stimulating the creation of vibrant, transit-oriented communities. These strategically located hubs will offer developers the chance to create much-needed housing, employment centers, and commercial spaces, ultimately shaping the future of the Puget Sound region and fostering a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape.