Seattle to Bellevue light rail gets delayed again

Sound Transit confirmed another delay for the light rail service connecting Bellevue and Seattle, now expected to open in early 2026. Officials had initially aimed for a 2020 launch following voter approval in 2008. The primary issue lies in the installation of tracks over the Interstate 90 floating bridge, where a small number of bolt inserts require replacement. The agency is also implementing measures to ensure that electrified light rail does not damage the bridge structure. Currently, a shorter light rail line operates between Bellevue and Redmond, recently expanding to ten stations.

The delay has pushed back the opening of additional stations on Mercer Island and in Seattle's Judkins Park neighborhood, which are now also expected to open in early 2026. Once completed, Sound Transit’s Line 2 will extend from Seattle’s International District/Chinatown station to Bellevue and into Redmond. The ongoing delays highlight the challenges faced by regional transit projects and their implications for local commuters.