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More time required for Connect 2020 project

Reduced Link light rail service continues; transfer still required at Pioneer Square

Publish Date

Work to complete the construction joining new light rail to the Eastside into the existing system, known as Connect 2020, will require additional time to complete due to issues identified over the weekend. On Monday morning, Link light rail will continue to operate every 13-15 minutes and on one track in the downtown tunnel stations.

While completing final systems testing for the project, insufficient electrical resistance readings were discovered over a segment of newly installed track. The site of the problem has now been identified, and Sound Transit is working with its contractor to solve it.

Once repairs are complete, there will be another yet-to-be-determined closure of downtown Seattle stations in order to re-test and certify the new tracks.

With this extension of Connect 2020, light rail passengers should continue to pack their patience and:

  • Allow extra time for their trip. Trains will run every 13-15 minutes and a transfer is still required at Pioneer Square; bicycle restrictions remain in effect.
  • Pay attention to signage and direction from Sound Transit security.
  • Sign up for Rider Alerts and go to https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/ for more information.
  • And of course, wash hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick.

“We are building East Link to serve the people of Puget Sound for generations, and we will insist on building it right, end-to-end” said Peter M. Rogoff, CEO of Sound Transit. “We regret this further inconvenience for our passengers, especially during this difficult time, and thank them for their continued patience.”

When Connect 2020 construction is complete, the existing tunnel will be configured for East Link in preparation for 2023 when light rail expands to 10 new East King County stations. Before then, three new stations — U District, Roosevelt and Northgate — will begin service in 2021, boosting ridership and increasing the importance of completing this work now.