The East Link light rail project has been delayed for the third time. After investigating long-standing concerns with construction quality and durability with raised concrete structures supporting the tracks in key sections of the alignment, a necessary path has been determined.
After attempting to repair the issues with the concrete structures (plinths), it was confirmed by Sound Transit contractors that it is irreparable and they must start over. At first glance during preliminary investigation, results had suggested that the blocks would not need to be replaced.
East Link constructors, Kiewit-Hoffman, previously revealed that 5,455 concrete supports (plinths) were deficient from Seattle to Mercer Island. Sound Transit’s most recent timeline pushes the opening of the light rail to spring 2025.
Demolition of the original plinths is nearly complete, and the track rebuilds will expand to six work zones in April, according to an update given to the Sound Transit board. Track rebuilding has gone slower than planned, and at this rate, Sound Transit will miss the spring 2025 goal of opening.
It was first announced in August 2022 that the East Link light rail project would be delayed at least one year. The extension was originally slated to opening mid-2023. The Sound Transit Board System Expansion Committee had received a release that detailed identifying new opening dates due to construction challenges.
In December 2022, Sound Transit announced that the East Link opening timeframe had been delayed once again. According to Sound Transit, after undertaking a thorough risk analysis, two possible scenarios had been outlined for the board to consider. With that in mind, it was explained that other risks could still affect the opening date, including active construction, opening preparations, testing, and staffing.
