Sound Transit's Crosslake Connection Set to Open March 28, Unifying Regional Light Rail
Opening Details
Sound Transit will open the Link light rail's Crosslake Connection across Lake Washington via the Interstate 90 bridge on March 28.
This segment is the final major component of the 2 Line. Once operational, trains will run from Redmond to Lynnwood, directly connecting with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station. This integration will establish a fully unified regional light rail system.
The new section includes stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park, expanding Sound Transit's light rail network from 55 to 63 miles. This completes a system expansion initially approved by voters in 2008.
Engineering Innovation
The Crosslake Connection features the world's first light rail system designed to operate on a floating bridge, enabling rail transit between the Eastside and Seattle.
Service Overview
Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line will generally operate from approximately 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. During peak hours, trains will arrive at the new stations every eight minutes. Off-peak service will range from every 10 to 15 minutes. The combined service between Lynnwood and International District/Chinatown will provide trains approximately every four minutes.
Project Background
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine stated that the opening represents a significant regional development, improving mobility and quality of life by connecting the east and west sides of Lake Washington with high-capacity transit.
The project experienced delays exceeding five years beyond its original schedule and incurred tens of millions of dollars in cost overruns. These overruns have contributed to ongoing discussions about future expansion funding for Sound Transit.
Despite the challenges, agency leaders confirm the March 28 opening as the completion of the 2 Line and another step in the system's recent growth. Sound Transit has initiated six light rail expansions within the last five years, with the Pinehurst Station scheduled to open later this year.