Sound Transit completes first phase of University Link testing

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Sound Transit

Sound Transit contractors have completed initial work to integrate and test University Link light-rail signal and power systems as part of the push to open the extension in early 2016.

 

Over the past several months, Sound Transit contractors have installed and tested new power, safety, train control and communications systems in most of the 3.1 miles of tunnels between Westlake Station in downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.

“University Link will be a game changer for commuters by connecting downtown Seattle and University of Washington (UW),” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The work that’s wrapping up is clearing the way for an eight-minute trip, completely bypassing some of the worst traffic in the region.”

The work included installing and testing new light-rail control and safety systems for the entire light-rail line. Workers also energized the new overhead lines in the University Link tunnels that power the trains.

The $1.8-billion University Link light-rail extension includes new stations at Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. The line is entirely underground and currently $150 million under budget and six to nine months ahead of schedule.

Over the next months, contractors will remove the temporary wall and doors between the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel and the University Link tunnels and install the last 600 feet of power and communication lines in that section.

 

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