New Light Rail Link Connects Seattle To Eastside Across Lake Washington

A long-anticipated light rail connection between Seattle and the Eastside is now open, giving riders a new way to travel across Lake Washington without relying on congested highways.

The new cross-lake segment of Sound Transit’s 2 Line links Seattle with Mercer Island and Downtown Redmond, creating a continuous rail route that connects with the broader regional system. With the addition, the network now spans 63 miles and 50 stations.

For commuters, the expansion offers a significant shift in how people move between job centers on both sides of the lake. Travel between downtown Seattle and Redmond is expected to take about 40 minutes, providing a more predictable alternative to driving.

At full service, trains are scheduled to arrive roughly every eight minutes during peak periods, with even shorter wait times in areas where the 1 Line and 2 Line operate together.

The project adds two new stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island, marking the first time rail service directly links Seattle and the Eastside.

“After years of wondering, ‘When is light rail coming to Bellevue,’ families finally have their answer, about every eight minutes,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. “We are building the best light rail system in America.”

The expansion is the result of years of planning and federal investment aimed at improving regional mobility and reducing transportation costs.

“All the young innovators want one thing: They want to be close to Sound Transit,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell. “Mass transit is now making life more affordable.”

Sound Transit officials say federal funding has played a key role in advancing major projects across the system, including this connection.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said the new link will have wide-ranging benefits for both commuters and the state economy.

“I cannot overstate the significance of this connection for commuters and our economy,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Local leaders emphasized the broader impact on communities across King County, noting that improved transit access can help connect residents to jobs, education and services throughout the region.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said the new line strengthens ties between neighborhoods such as the Central District and employment centers on the Eastside, reflecting years of planning and community input.

Transit advocates say projects like this can help address long-standing gaps in access, particularly for communities that depend on public transportation. In Seattle, neighborhoods including the Central District and Rainier Valley have faced challenges related to transit access and rising housing costs, and improved connections may help reduce those disparities.

The project also represents a major engineering milestone, as it is the first time a light rail system has operated across a floating bridge.

The opening marks a major step in the voter-approved Sound Transit 2 expansion plan, which has been implemented in phases with extensions to Lynnwood, Federal Way and Redmond.

Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line will run daily from about 5 a.m. to midnight. Trains are expected every eight to 15 minutes depending on the time of day, with service every four to five minutes along shared segments between Seattle and Lynnwood.

For riders across the region, the new connection offers a faster, more reliable and traffic-free option for traveling between Seattle and the Eastside.