Judkins Park Station and light rail connecting Seattle to the Eastside now on track for 2026
Sound Transit plans to launch the 2 Line connecting Seattle to the Eastside by early 2026, following delays due to significant construction challenges on the I-90 bridge. Celebrations in Redmond marked the opening of new light rail stations, expanding the Eastside line to ten stops. Originally scheduled for a 2023 debut, the project faced setbacks, including the need to rebuild a defective track bed twice, which has delayed testing on the tracks. The $4. 9 billion price tag indicates that the Eastside will not see another light rail project for at least 20 years.
Concurrently, Seattle aims to expedite expansions to West Seattle and Ballard, targeting completion by 2033 and 2039, respectively. Mayor Bruce Harrell's executive order seeks to streamline processes for light rail construction, enhancing efficiency. The Seattle City Council's land use committee is considering legislation to support efficient permitting for transit facilities. The city plans to allocate $5. 2 million in 2025 and $6.
8 million in 2026 to hire up to 50 additional staff members focused on design, permitting, and construction.