Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Sound Transit has announced that the initial segment of the Link 2 Line will open to passenger service on April 27.
- The 6.5-mile segment of the East Link Extension includes eight new stations in Bellevue and Redmond.
Sound Transit has announced that the initial segment of the Link 2 Line will open to passenger service on April 27. The 6.5-mile segment of the East Link Extension includes eight new stations in Bellevue and Redmond. The initial segment will terminate at the South Bellevue Station at the west end, and the Redmond Technology Station on the east. Two-car trains will run every 10 minutes, 16 hours a day. The full 2 Line is expected to open in 2025.
The opening of the 2 Line on the Eastside this spring will bring the convenience of light rail to hundreds of thousands more people across the region, said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine. The opening of the 2 Line is the product of the sustained commitment of project partners and community members, and years of hard work by Sound Transit staff and contractors, said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman.
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson expressed excitement about the partnership with Sound Transit and how it will improve mobility and access for residents and visitors. Redmond Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Angela Birney called the arrival of light rail to Redmond monumental and expressed gratitude to all the partners who made it possible.
Starting April 27, the 2 Line will serve eight stations, including South Bellevue, East Main, Bellevue Downtown, Wilburton, Spring District, BelRed, Overlake Village, and Redmond Technology. Service will run from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week and will connect with the regional transit network at South Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown, and Redmond Technology stations.
Sound Transit is inviting everyone to celebrate opening day on April 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bellevue Downtown Station at 10 a.m. The festivities will continue throughout the day at all eight stations, with different activities, exhibits, and entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or take transit to connect with the 2 Line.
