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SEARCHEight miles of new service will begin as soon as late 2025, while the East Link Crosslake Connection is still scheduled to open in early 2026.
The Sound Transit Board greenlit plans for an earlier-than-anticipated opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, with service now expected to begin as soon as winter 2025.
Photo: Sound Transit
The Sound Transit Board recently approved plans to support an earlier than expected opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, which is now projected to begin operating as soon as winter 2025.
As final testing and commissioning go underway on the 1 Line extension from Angle Lake to Federal Way, work continues to open the Crosslake Connection of the 2 Line in early 2026 as expected.
“Sound Transit is proving its ability to assess the way projects are progressing in real time and pivot quickly to provide people throughout the region with more transit options,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “This resequencing of opening dates reflects the actual status of each of the projects and allows us to continue moving them both forward in the most efficient way possible.”
The Federal Way Link Extension project has nearly completed system integration testing and is ready to begin the pre-revenue testing phase. At the same time, live wire testing, the second system integration testing phase, is scheduled to start on the Homer M. Hadley floating bridge this month as planned.
“I’m excited to see the Federal Way Link Extension open ahead of schedule — bringing light rail to Kent, Des Moines, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “Like the Eastside starter line, this early opening is another success in delivering transit to riders more quickly. Next up: completing the connection across the I-90 bridge and linking East King County to the rest of the system, which we remain fully committed to opening without further delay.”
The Federal Way Link Extension will add nearly eight miles to the regional light rail system via mostly elevated tracks between SeaTac and Federal Way. This project includes three new stations in Kent, Des Moines near Highline College, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way.
“We’re glad to see the Federal Way Link Extension bringing light rail closer to people traveling to and from Pierce County,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello. “The sooner we expand our regional transit network, the sooner people can connect to jobs, housing, and recreation opportunities throughout the Puget Sound.”
“After years of getting coal in our stockings, I am hopeful that South King County will get an early Christmas gift in time for the busy holiday season," said Sound Transit Board Member and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. "For those who have been patiently waiting (and paying!), this could be our own 'Polar Express,' and I am grateful to the board for accelerating the opening of Link Light Rail in Federal Way.”
The full 2 Line will be completed with the opening of the 1-90 segment of East Link. This final segment will add the Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations to the 2 Line and connect to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station in downtown Seattle.
“Sound Transit is constantly exploring creative ways to deliver our projects sooner, while ensuring a safe and reliable system,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “Opening projects when they are ready makes the best use of agency resources and best serves the people who use transit to get where they need to go every day.”
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