Sound Transit faces new delays, cross-lake extension now set for 2026 completion

Sound Transit announced a delay in its cross-lake extension, now anticipated to open in early 2026. CEO Dow Constantine highlighted the urgency of upcoming testing with actual trains on the bridge, stressing its importance. Executive Director Michael Morgan mentioned that the East Link project is experiencing cost pressures, with the budget nearing its cap and the schedule slipping due to unforeseen challenges. Concerns are growing among Seattle-area political leaders about whether the project will be completed in time for the 2026 World Cup. Charles Prestrud, a former planning manager, criticized the agency's engineering decisions, suggesting that a simpler rapid bus system could have sufficed.

He noted that ongoing budget overruns could force Sound Transit to increase debt or cut back on other projects. The situation presents a significant challenge for Constantine, who must stabilize the agency while addressing these delays. The agency's spokesperson referred to Constantine's public comments during a sparsely attended meeting, indicating limited transparency regarding the issues at hand.