Full East Link Extension Will Open March 28

Four-car train sets cross the I-90 floating bridge during pre-revenue operations on January 9, 2026. (Sound Transit)

This morning, Sound Transit announced the East Link Extension segment between South Bellevue station and International District/Chinatown station will open on March 28, 2026. When it opens, the 2 Line will be extended from South Bellevue station to Lynnwood City Center station, via Seattle. This extension will open two more Link stations: Mercer Island and Judkins Park.

Since the live wire test in September 2025, Sound Transit has run test trains and conducted operator training across the I-90 bridge. In preparation for the extension opening, Sound Transit will begin simulated service for the full 2 Line in February. During this final stage of testing, 2 Line trains will run the full length of the line. Passengers will be allowed on the trains between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue, and between International District/Chinatown and Lynnwood City Center. Passengers will not be permitted on the trains between International District/Chinatown and South Bellevue.

Map of the soon-to-open East Link Extension with stops at Judkins Park and Mercer Island. (Sound Transit)

Simulated service on the 2 Line will finally deliver 4 minute Link frequencies between International District/Chinatown and Lynnwood City Center. This is the busiest section on the 1 Line and trains are often completely full during the afternoon rush hour. The improved frequency will double capacity on the segment, ensuring a shorter wait and a more comfortable ride.

Passed by voters in 2008, the Sound Transit 2 package promised Link light rail extensions north to Lynnwood (from UW), south to Star Lake (from Sea-Tac), and east to Redmond Technology. The East Link Extension opening in March is the final piece. After significant construction defects on the I-90 bridge were discovered in 2022, King County Councilmember and then-chair of the System Expansion committee Claudia Balducci urged the agency to open a starter line between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations. Thanks to advocacy from Balducci, and many others, Sound Transit opened in 2 Line in April 2024. In May 2025, the 2 Line was extended north to Downtown Redmond.

Completion of the full East Link Extension will result in an overhaul of Puget Sound's transit network, though not right away. Sound Transit is in the process of restructuring its ST Express network and the updated routes will start in Fall 2026. King County Metro has already implemented parts of its East Link Connections plan. The remaining changes will take effect after the full 2 Line opening.