Redmond-Bellevue light rail debut nears, but cross-lake span completion remains uncertain

Redmond's Sound Transit light rail line will officially open on Saturday, connecting Redmond to Bellevue, although the anticipated cross-lake span remains unfinished. Voters approved funding for this stretch as part of ST2 in 2008, but delays have pushed completion dates further back. Local officials, including Mayor Angela Birney, are excited about the new transit option, which will alleviate parking and traffic concerns for residents. King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci raised alarms about ongoing construction issues, including concrete cracking and delays in testing. She cautioned that while the Bellevue link might open soon, it may not serve passengers until late 2026.

The urgency to complete the project increases as Seattle prepares for the World Cup, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors in 2026. Balducci hopes the light rail will be operational well before the event, to avoid reliance on buses for transportation. Sound Transit is also on track to open service to Federal Way next year, further expanding regional transit options.