Testing on the 8.5-mile-long Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension entered the pre-revenue phase, marking an important milestone toward the opening on Aug. 30.

The current phase includes training for operators and maintenance staff, and continued testing to ensure stations, tracks, utilities, and vehicles work together as expected in preparation for the start of service.

Pre-Revenue Testing

During this period, light rail vehicles are running frequently between the Northgate and Lynnwood City Center stations.

In addition to trains on the tracks, people can expect to see maintenance vehicles, testing equipment, and personnel involved in the testing process and hear sounds typical in an operating light rail system, including station announcements, wheels on the tracks, and warning signals.

“Thanks to the hard work of our construction teams and staff, the finish line for the Lynnwood extension is rapidly approaching,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman. “With this new phase, our partners at King County Rail will be playing an important role in ensuring that we are ready for full operations when we cut the ribbon on opening day.”

What’s Next?

The next phase of testing will be simulated service, which will begin next month. During simulated service, all trains will discharge passengers at Northgate and continue to Lynnwood. When the Lynnwood extension opens, trains will run every eight minutes during peak hours.

Stacy & Witbeck/Kiewit/Hoffman JV and Skanska Constructors L300 JV are executing the civil construction on the Lynnwood Link Extension.

The $3.26 billion project budget includes up to $1.17 billion from a Full Funding Grant Agreement executed by the Federal Transit Administration.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau executed a $658 million low-interest loan supporting the project, including new light rail vehicles and support facilities.

In 2016, voters approved the addition of a light rail station to the Lynnwood Link Extension at NE 130th Street. That station is scheduled to open in 2026.