Sound Transit Link riders to see reduction in rail frequency until early 2023 – payoff is improved rail service
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Sound Transit
Sound Transit Link riders are in for some choppy air over the next few months.
Starting in July, Link riders need to prepare for intermittent periods of less frequent service and replacement bus service while a series of “Future Ready” construction and maintenance activities prepare Sound Transit to more than double the length of the light rail system within the next three years. These projects will position the light rail system for a transformative period of growth but will require passengers to monitor which periods will require planning ahead for longer travel times.
“We need to ensure that our system is ready for the major expansions ahead,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Brooke Belman. “These projects will impact far fewer riders now than if we delayed them until after further expansions open. While the disruptions that this work will cause are unavoidable, we will work hard to minimize the impact on service to our riders. The end result will be a safe and improved system ready for our next phase of growth.”
Sound Transit will simultaneously work to extend light rail north, south, east and west, more than doubling the size of its system to 62 miles in the next few years. The East Link extension will extend service from downtown Seattle to Mercer Island, downtown Bellevue and the Overlake area of Redmond. Construction is underway to further extend service to Downtown Redmond. Construction is also underway to extend service to Lynnwood and Federal Way.
Check Sound Transit’s website for more specific information on construction impacts.
Read more articles about track construction.
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