Opening date set for Seattle University Link light rail extension

An extension of Seattle’s light rail network to the University of Washington will open on March 19 – six months early and under budget.

The underground University Link light rail extension includes two new stations, one at Capitol Hill and the other close toUniversity of Washington’s Husky Stadium.

Transport authority Sound Transit said the 5 km extension, which has involved the construction of two sets of twin-bore tunnels, will open six months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget.

Sound Transit board chairman and King County Executive Dow Constantine said: “University Link opens March 19, changing forever how we move around Seattle.

“With fast, frequent trains bypassing some of the region’s worst traffic, thousands of people will now be able to get to work, school and appointments on time, every time.”

Sound Transit broke ground on the extension in 2009. The $1.8 billion project will be followed up later this year with the opening of another extension, which will link SeaTac/Airport Station to the new Angle Lake Station near South 200th Street.

By 2023, Sound Transit’s light rail network will cover more than 80 km.