Sound Transit to open new light-rail station in Seattle

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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A test train travels along the Angel Lake extension in May 2016.
Sound Transit

Sound Transit, the Greater Seattle area’s regional transportation system, has announced that light-rail service will begin Sept. 24 at the new Angle Lake light-rail station.

 

Launching four years earlier than originally planned, officials say the $383 million South 200th Link Extension spanning 1.6 miles will open $40 million under the budget outlined in Sound Transit 2, the voter-approved plan developed in 2008 to further Sound Transit’s expansion.

The Sound Transit Board approved plans to expedite the project by four years after congressional leaders assisted the board in securing $10 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funding. Officials say the extension will be the agency’s first design-build project to have been completed.

“Opening the Angle Lake Station marks another milestone in building a vibrant, regional light rail system,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Constantine emphasized that the trains running every six minutes will enable “thousands of riders” to quickly and frequently travel to schools, jobs and local sporting events.

Running from Sea-Tac Airport to South 200th Street and 28th Avenue South, the extension features an elevated guideway and station that will serve as the southern terminus for Link until the Kent/Des Moines extension’s expected 2023 launch.

Representatives say the facility offers covered waiting areas, secured bicycle storage and a nearby transfer location for local and RapidRide bus connections.

Officials intend for the Angle Lake Station to serve 5,400 riders during weekdays by 2018. 

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