Link 2 Line “Crosslake Connection” opening celebrations

The opening date of the Crosslake Connection was announced on January 23, 2026 (Sound Transit).

Sound Transit's arduous journey building the 2 Line will finally conclude two weeks from today with the opening of the Crosslake Connection" between Seattle and Bellevue. On March 28, along with beginning regular operations of the world's first (and only) electrified floating railway, two new Link stations will open: Judkins Park and Mercer Island. Like previous openings of Link extensions, Sound Transit is hosting celebrations at these new stations as well as key stations at either side of the Crosslake Connection and other stations along the 2 Line.

Read on for details.

A view over the shoulders of a Link operator driving a 2 Line train over Lake Washington (Sound Transit).Schedule

Ribbon Cutting (9 am, Judkins Park Station): The east entrance of Judkins Park station is where luminaries will gather to speak about the project and, eventually, formally cut the ribbon to open the Crosslake Connection. Across 23th Avenue South in Sam Smith Park, there will be a street fair in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum with live music, performances, food trucks, booths for community organizations, and activities for kids of all ages.

Sound Transit will be running shuttle buses from Mount Baker and South Bellevue stations to Sam Smith Park every ~15 minutes from 7am to 10am.

First Train (10am, Judkins Park Station): After the speeches and ribbon cutting, the world's first light rail train in passenger service will depart eastbound from Judkins Park station. Once this train departs, passengers will be allowed to board 2 Line trains heading across Lake Washington at International District/Chinatown, Judkins Park, Mercer Island, and South Bellevue stations.

Community Events (10am to 2pm; Sam Smith Park): Celebrations and community events will be happening at several stations until about 2pm. See below for events at certain stations served by the newly-expanded 2 Line.

Community Events by Station (Lynnwood to Redmond)

Play Discover. Stamp. Win!" at participating stations: ID/C, Judkins Park, Mercer Island, and South Bellevue.

Lynnwood City Center: Sno-Isle Libraries will turn the station into the Book Stop" by bringing their Bookmobile, giant games", face-painting, children's book readings, and more literary fun for the whole family.

Symphony Station: Musicians from the Seattle Symphony will be performing live in the station.

International District/Chinatown: There will be live entertainment, children's activities, and booths for community organizations.

Judkins Park: This station will be the center of the opening celebrations with a street fair hosted by the Northwest African American Museum, speeches, and other celebratory activities. Shuttles will be running to here from Mount Baker and South Bellevue stations from 7am until the 2 Line trains officially opens across Lake Washington around 10am.

Mercer Island: The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce will host the Island's celebration of this milestone moment" with vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and opportunities to explore Mercer Island businesses".

South Bellevue: There will be live entertainment, food vendors, booths for community organizations, and activities for kids including an opportunity to touch a firetruck.

Bellevue Downtown: The Bellevue Downtown Association is hosting live music, food trucks, and booths for Bellevue community organizations.

Spring District: Wright Runstad (a commercial real estate operator) is hosting 2 to the zoo!" with a petting zoo, food trucks, vender booths, and offerings from Meta's Market Hall.

Redmond Technology: Dote will be serving free food and coffee.

Marymoor Village: The Seattle Orcas (a Major League Cricket team) are hosting a photobooth with the Seattle Orcas mascot, DJ, chai drink truck, and opportunities to learn about playing cricket.

Concurrent Events: No Kings

The next national protest against rising authoritarianism in the USA, No Kings" is planned for March 28 as well. Expect crowding on trains headed toward Downtown Seattle.