Link service to be suspended between Rainier Beach and Tukwila International Boulevard Stations from October 22 to 26 for required power system maintenance

Beginning Saturday, October 22 through Wednesday, October 26, Sound Transit will be preforming necessary power line maintenance and repairs between the Rainier Beach and Tukwila International Boulevard stations that will prevent trains from connecting between those stations in both directions. Link passengers traveling through those stations should allow at least an additional 30 minutes for their trips as Sound Transit undertakes the essential power system work. 

As riders arrive at Rainier Beach and Tukwila International Boulevard stations during this period, wayfinding signage and Sound Transit personnel will be available to direct riders to a free Link bus shuttle.  The shuttle will run every 10 minutes to connect passengers between the two stations from during revenue service hours (4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday and Monday to Wednesday; 5:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday).

The 1 Line will continue to operate every 10 minutes between Northgate and Rainier Beach; however, due to operational limitations, the service will be reduced to every 12 minutes between Angle Lake and Tukwila. Trains will run every 15 minutes between the start of service to 6 a.m. and after 10 p.m. to the end of service between those stations.

Passengers may also want to consider whether alternative bus routes may be faster or more convenient. A list of other transit options is available at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/changes-affect-my-ride/navigating-service-disruptions#1line

“The ST Team is acutely aware that this required system maintenance will create a substantial travel burden to our riders during these five days, and they are pushing to keep the impact window as short as possible,” said Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm. “Preventive maintenance and system repairs are unavoidable as we work to maintain, improve and expand the light rail network. Sound Transit is committed to increasing communication around these events and providing transportation options to support riders and their need to reach their destinations with minimal disruptions.” 

The closure is necessary to replace worn spots in the wire of the overhead lines that provide power to the light rail vehicles. In addition to replacing wire, the contractor will also replace supporting components to extend the overall longevity of the system and reduce the frequency of future repairs and maintenance needs as the system grows. This is part of Sound Transit’s continuous improvement process and state of good repair program. 

In preparation for the upcoming work, passengers should sign up for Rider Alerts to make sure they receive texts and/or emails with further information as it becomes available. Throughout the service impacts, the agency will be providing frequent communication with passengers to help them plan their rides. 

The work on the power system is part of a series of “Future Ready” projects Sound Transit will undertake before the Link system expands from 26 to 62 miles within the next few years. 

Next month, Sound Transit will undertake additional Future Ready work on the overhead catenary system in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (DSTT), which will require the tunnel to be closed from November 11 to November 13. During that period, free Link shuttle buses will run every 10 minutes between Capitol Hill and Stadium stations. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.