Link light rail opens across Lake Washington

Today the Crosslake Connection opens, with light rail vehicles carrying passengers across a floating bridge for the first time. This momentous achievement completes the Link 2 Line, uniting the Eastside with Seattle, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Federal Way, Lynnwood and communities in between.

The final 7-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

“After years of wondering, ‘When is light rail coming to Bellevue,’ families finally have their answer—about every eight minutes,” said Senator Patty Murray. “We are building the best light rail system in America and as a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I have been fighting for this project every step — and every dollar — of the way! I still remember some pretty tough times a couple decades ago fighting alongside Joni Earl to ensure there was a future for Sound Transit. That future is here. And it even came with some futuristic marvels of engineering! Folks, we are going to be able to ride the world’s first train on a floating bridge — that is pretty cool. Sound Transit is delivering the most ambitious expansion of public transit in America — and I am going to keep fighting to make sure Congress funds it.”

“The completion of light rail across Lake Washington is a historic moment for the region. And just in time for the World Cup! This expanded service will integrate Seattle with the Eastside. In 40 minutes, commuters will be able to get from downtown Seattle to a job in Redmond and it will provide an affordable traffic-free option for getting to the airport or future Sonics games. The economy of the Puget Sound is bigger than the economies of 36 entire states – expanded light rail will help ensure it remains a place where people want to live, innovate, and work into the future,” Senator Maria Cantwell said.

“With the historic opening of the 2 Line connection across Lake Washington, Eastsiders and Seattleites will be connected like never before,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “This extension means faster, more reliable commutes, economic growth, more customers for small businesses, and reduced pollution. I’m grateful for all the planning and hard work that went into this project, which will open up a world of new opportunities for our region.”

"Today, for the first time anywhere in the world, a metro line carried commuters across a floating bridge – that is historic,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “I cannot overstate the significance of this connection for commuters and our economy.”

“The Crosslake Connection not only completes the 2 Line, but it also truly knits our region together with fast, frequent and reliable transit,” said Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers. “This is a connection that will fundamentally improve people’s lives by expanding their access to jobs, housing, health care and education – all from trains with the most beautiful views anywhere in the world.”

“This is a historic milestone and the beginning of a new chapter for how our communities connect,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board member Girmay Zahilay. “The Crosslake Connection will unlock new regional opportunity, making it easier for people to reach jobs, school, and essential services while also delivering long-anticipated light rail access for communities like the Central District and Mercer Island. This project didn’t happen overnight and reflects decades of advocacy, resilience through challenges, and the collective effort to plan, build, and deliver on a promise, showing what’s possible when we listen to community and invest with purpose.”

"Building light rail has been a two-decade journey, and it hasn't been easy. We’ve arrived at this transformational moment through the persistent efforts of hundreds of people who share a common vision for affordable, high-quality transit connecting the Eastside to our broader region,” said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board member Claudia Balducci.  “Saturday's opening proves that with sustained commitment, we can achieve big things, transform a region, and create real opportunity for people."

“Light rail running across Lake Washington is the result of decades of work by public and private partners committed to the same goal - and we’re proud to have been there from the beginning. This is a meaningful step forward for the entire region,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair and president.

"I've spent a lot of time getting around on buses and trains, and organizing to make them better, faster, and more reliable," said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Katie B. Wilson. "So, it's incredible to be here today to celebrate the opening of the Crosslake Connection and show that yes, we can take on big challenges and accomplish big things. I know there is so much more to do to continue delivering the world class transit system our region deserves, and I can't wait to help make that happen."

“The Building Trades want to thank Sound Transit and its leaders and staff for creating economic opportunity for generations of working people. Sound Transit’s investments throughout the region have created thousands of family-wage jobs for skilled craftspeople and pathways out of poverty for women, people of color, veterans and others who are disadvantaged into construction careers,” said Monty Anderson, executive secretary, Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council. “Through apprenticeships and strong training programs, we are working together to help build the next generation of construction workers, many from local communities. Getting to this huge milestone on this historic regional system took vision, tenacity and bold leadership – and it’s building better lives. Let’s keep building!”

“The milestone we celebrate today is possible because of a shared vision that began more than 60 years ago and has continued through the decades with resolve, innovation and hard work,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “We all share in this achievement – from the regional leaders who had the foresight to plan for future transit, to the voters who put their support behind those plans, to the thousands of people who have worked to bring the vision to life.”

The opening of the Crosslake Connection completes the expansion of the Link system approved by voters in 2008 as part of the Sound Transit 2 ballot initiative. The 1 Line extension to Federal Way opened in December 2025, following the openings of the 2 Line to downtown Redmond in May 2025; the initial segment of the 2 Line on the Eastside in April 2024; and the 1 Line extension to Lynnwood in August 2024.

Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line will run from about 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. seven days a week. Trains will run approximately every eight minutes at peak at the new stations, and between 10-15 minutes the rest of the day. Between Lynnwood City Center and International District/Chinatown stations, combined 1- and 2-Line headways will mean trains arrive every four to five minutes.

ST Express buses will operate on existing routes and schedules until August 2026.

Photos and b-roll of the Crosslake Connection are available here. The gallery will be updated with photos from opening day soon.