Construction of Link light rail expansion to go on for longer than expected

New issues, identified over the weekend, have pushed back the completion date of track construction connecting Seattle’s International District to East Link.

While completing final systems testing for Connect 2020, workers discovered insufficient electrical resistance readings over a segment of newly installed track.

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The construction of tracks to connect International District/Chinatown Station to the new East Link tracks that will bring the light rail to Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Redmond was slated for completion in 2030.

“We are building Eastlink to serve the people of Puget Sound for generations, and we will insist on building it right, end-to-end” Peter M Rogoff, CEO of Sound Transit, said in a release. “We regret this further inconvenience for our passengers, especially during this difficult time, and thank them for their continued patience.”

Link light rail will continue to operate every 13 to 15 minutes and on one track in the downtown tunnel stations.