On Saturday, a decades-long vision to connect Seattle to the Eastside finally came to fruition. Leaders and politicians from across the state attended the grand opening of the Sound Transit “Crosslake Connection.'
On Saturday, a decades-long vision to connect Seattle to the Eastside finally came to fruition. Leaders and politicians from across the state attended the grand opening of the Sound Transit "Crosslake Connection.
"The new route takes the Link light rail service across the I-90 floating bridge. This is a technological feat that has previously never been accomplished. Engineers from around the world weighed in on planning the ambitious project. On Mar. 28, Governor Bob Ferguson was joined by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Sound Transit members, and several King County officials or Seattle City Councilmembers."Today, for the first time anywhere in the world, a metro line carried commuters across a floating bridge – that is historic," Governor Ferguson said. "I cannot overstate the significance of this connection for commuters and our economy.""This is a vision and a dream 60 years in the making," said King County Councilwoman Claudia Balducci. The project, while envisioned more than half a century ago, has been promised to voters since 2008 when they passed a ballot measure. In the past 18 years, several delays, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, complicated the project timeline.That all changed on Saturday when the public was finally invited to take a ride from Seattle's downtown area over to Mercer Island or up to Bellevue. This newest, seven-mile addition completes the Link's 2 Line. New stations are now open at Mercer Island and Judkins Park, connecting passengers between the Eastside and the transit system's 1 Line in the International District/Chinatown area. Just a few months ago, another large extension brought service down to Federal Way. With the expansion, Seattle's light rail system now spans 63 miles with 50 stations. Passengers are able to ride as far north as Lynnwood and as far south as Angle Lake past the Seattle Tacoma International Airport, over to Mercer Island, Bellevue and many suburbs in between. "After years of wondering, ‘When is light rail coming to Bellevue,’ families finally have their answer—about every eight minutes," said Senator Patty Murray. "We are building the best light rail system in America and as a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I have been fighting for this project every step — and every dollar — of the way! I still remember some pretty tough times a couple decades ago fighting alongside Joni Earl to ensure there was a future for Sound Transit. That future is here," said Sen. Patty Murray. "I've spent a lot of time getting around on buses and trains, and organizing to make them better, faster, and more reliable," said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Katie B. Wilson. "So, it's incredible to be here today to celebrate the opening of the Crosslake Connection and show that yes, we can take on big challenges and accomplish big things. I know there is so much more to do to continue delivering the world class transit system our region deserves, and I can't wait to help make that happen."Seattle is home to several floating bridges, including the longest one in the world: the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge. It connects State Route 520 between Seattle and the Bellevue area, stretching over a record 7,710 feet.While the cross-lake connection is now complete, Sound Transit leaders say broader expansion plans remain in progress."There’s no world in which we don’t end up with Ballard or West Seattle or Tacoma," reassured Constantine, "We are committed to getting those things done."Where is Jonathan Hoang? WA man with autism disappeared 1 year agoAs fuel prices rise, WA farmers face mounting challengesPolice say WA man shoots kid in the chest for throwing a water balloonSeattle high-rises connected by decommissioned Boeing 747 fuselageSCOTUS hears case that could impact WA ballot countingTo get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
News Traffic Us Wa King County Seattle Us Wa King County Bellevue Us Wa King County Mercer Island
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Light rail opens to Eastside but storm clouds loom for Sound TransitChris Sullivan is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. He cares deeply about the amount of time you spend sitting in Seattle traffic. Email Chris at csullivankiroradio.com
Read more »
Seattle leaders eye FIFA World Cup boost after tourism decline in 2025Tourism in Seattle and King County saw a slight decline in 2025, though local leaders and industry officials are optimistic about a rebound as the region prepar
Read more »
Sound Transit to open Cross Lake Connection Saturday, first light rail over I-90 bridgeSound Transit is set to open its long-awaited Cross Lake Connection on Saturday, linking the Eastside with Seattle by light rail for the first time.
Read more »
Seattle 'No Kings' protest could bring 100,000 people to the streets SaturdayFrank Sumrall is the lead editor for MyNorthwest originally from the North Bay in California.
Read more »
UFC Fight Night Seattle predictions: Full fight card picks, best bets for Adesanya vs. PyferIsrael Adesanya will headline UFC Fight Night Seattle on Saturday night.
Read more »
Seattle weather: More clouds and dry Saturday, showers return SundayHighs will be a degree or two cooler Saturday with more cloud cover. Winds will be on the calm side with highs in the mid to upper 50s.
Read more »