Rainier Freeway Station Closure Everything You Need To Know!

The closure of Rainier Freeway Station in Bellevue, effective September 22, 2018, is a significant development tied to the East Link light rail construction, with the station scheduled to reopen as Judkins Park Link Station in 2023. This closure will notably impact local transportation, particularly affecting Route 550, which will bypass the station entirely. In response, Route 554 will implement new stops at Rainier Avenue South and South Charles Street to accommodate affected commuters. Bellevue residents using Route 550 will need to adjust their travel plans, as they will no longer have direct service to the station. Instead, they can transfer at the Mercer Island Park and Ride or the International District Station for further access to Rainier Valley services.

Additionally, the transit-only roadway connecting Rainier Freeway Station to Downtown Seattle will also close, contributing to longer travel times for many commuters. The article provides detailed information for riders on how to navigate these changes, highlighting the importance of planning ahead. Overall, while the changes may pose challenges, they are intended to ensure continued service and performance for the region's transit system.