The opening of the full East Link Extension, connecting Seattle’s light rail system to the Eastside, has been pushed back again. The new target date is April 25, 2026, according to Sound Transit’s June 2025 System Expansion Monthly Status Report.
The agency had previously projected an early 2026 start with a potential January 16 opening date. Earlier timelines targeted late 2025.
The delay affects the segment of the 2 Line that crosses Lake Washington via I-90, including new stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island. These stations were most recently expected to open in early 2026. Sound Transit cites ongoing construction work, additional testing and training requirements, and time needed to resolve remaining issues as reasons for the postponement.
The 14-mile East Link Extension includes 10 stations stretching from Seattle’s International District to Judkins Park, across I-90 to Mercer Island and South Bellevue, through downtown Bellevue and the Bel-Red area, and ending at Redmond Technology Station.
A phased opening approach was approved by the Sound Transit Board in August 2023. The first phase, between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Station, began service on April 27, 2024, with stops at East Main, Bellevue Downtown, Wilburton, Spring District/130th, Overlake Village, and Redmond Technology.
An additional 3.4 miles of track and two more stations, Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond, opened on May 10, 2025, as part of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension.
Once complete, the 2 Line will connect the Eastside to Seattle’s 1 Line via the I-90 floating bridge and provide access to the Operations and Maintenance Facility East in Bellevue, supporting more frequent service and future expansion toward Federal Way.
Sound Transit said it remains committed to meeting quality and reliability standards before opening the remaining segment.
