Sound Transit recently announced that full service on the East Link Extension (2 Line) is now expected to begin in early 2026, delaying the previously targeted December 2025 opening. The updated schedule reflects the current pace of construction, time needed to finish remaining work, and additional time for testing, staff training, and trial runs.
Once completed, the 2 Line will offer a direct light rail connection between the Eastside and Seattle via the I-90 floating bridge. It will also provide access to the Operations and Maintenance Facility East in Bellevue, which is important for running more frequent trains on the 1 Line and supporting future service to Federal Way.
The first part of the 2 Line opened in April 2024, with trains running between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations. Stops include East Main, Bellevue Downtown, Wilburton, Spring District/130th, and Overlake Village.
On May 10, 2025, two more stations opened as part of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. The 3.4-mile addition brings service to Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond.
Sound Transit stated that they remain committed to getting the project right. “Our priority is making sure every bit of new service we open meets the quality, frequency, and reliability standards you deserve from Day 1,” the agency noted in its announcement.
Getting this connection finished needs to be the total focus for transit. Poor planning, possible incompetence and years of delays are costing the taxpayers dearly.
As a taxpayer, I’ve wondered about the priorities, how this project was scheduled and what oversight is in place. With charity, there seems to have been mistakes. It may be more accurate to question the competency of the Metro supervisors and maybe the contractors.
It was first said to be open in 2019… let’s see…
It will make a very minor difference in our transportation system. When it opens the 550 Bus ( the highest used bus route on the Eastside) will be eliminated as a duplicative route. Also, the 554 from Issaquah to Seattle will be truncated at the Mercer Island Transit Center, rendering that popular route form a one seat ride to a mandatory transfer to light rail on the Island; that’s why 80% of all boariders. Of East Link at maturity will have been former Bus riders.
Every time I cross the I90 bridge I see a bunch of workers just standing or walking around. Not sure what they are actually doing. If that is the “pace of construction” no wonder it’s so far behind schedule.