Today, the Hilltop Tacoma Link project team went before the Sound Transit Board to ask for an additional $30 million to complete the project.
They also announced that the extension will open in the first quarter of 2023.
This isn’t news we like to share, but we want to be clear about where we stand.
This shift in the opening not only accounts for the winter holidays, but also for testing and commissioning systems and vehicles to ensure we open this new segment of the T Line safely and efficiently.
Moving the opening date for Hilltop doesn’t detract from all the work that’s taken place over the last three years.
We’ve moved a lot of underground utilities, laid miles of track in the roadway, and installed hundreds of new power poles, curbs and gutters. We’re in the homestretch, but we still have a little ways to go:
- Connecting the existing T-Line track to the new track
- Completing the finishes (canopy glazing and equipment) at seven new stations
- Receiving, testing and commissioning five new vehicles
- Testing and commissioning systems on the new line
We know many Tacoma residents are anticipating the arrival of this new transit option.
We’re working diligently to bring it online as soon as we can, and we look forward to celebrating with you soon in Stadium and the Hilltop!