METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

March 30, 2026
A Sound Transit Crosslake Connection Link light rail vehicle

The momentous achievement completes the Link 2 Line, uniting the Eastside with Seattle, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Federal Way, Lynnwood, and communities in between.

Credit:

Sound Transit

2 min to read


  • Sound Transit completes its Link 2 Line with a final seven-mile segment featuring new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park.
  • The completed 2 Line connects with the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station.
  • The Link light rail system now covers 63 miles and consists of 50 stations.

*Summarized by AI

Seattle’s Sound Transit opened the Crosslake Connection, which carried passengers on light rail vehicles across a floating bridge for the first time.

The momentous achievement completes the Link 2 Line, uniting the Eastside with Seattle, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Federal Way, Lynnwood, and communities in between.

Ad Loading...

Seattle’s Crosslake Connection

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

“The milestone we celebrate today is possible because of a shared vision that began more than 60 years ago and has continued through the decades with resolve, innovation, and hard work,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “We all share in this achievement — from the regional leaders who had the foresight to plan for future transit, to the voters who put their support behind those plans, to the thousands of people who have worked to bring the vision to life.”

The opening of the Crosslake Connection completes the expansion of the Link system approved by voters in 2008 as part of the Sound Transit 2 ballot initiative.

The 1 Line extension to Federal Way opened in December 2025, following the openings of the 2 Line to downtown Redmond in May 2025; the initial segment of the 2 Line on the Eastside in April 2024; and the 1 Line extension to Lynnwood in August 2024.

Service on both the 1 Line and 2 Line will run from about 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. seven days a week. Trains will run approximately every eight minutes at peak at the new stations, and between 10 and 15 minutes the rest of the day. Between Lynnwood City Center and International District/Chinatown stations, combined 1- and 2-Line headways will mean trains arrive every four to five minutes.

Ad Loading...

 ST Express buses will operate on existing routes and schedules until August 2026.

Quick Answers

The Crosslake Connection project refers to the completion of the final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line, which includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and establishes a connection to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station.

*Summarized by AI

Ad Loading...

More Rail

A fleet of Caltrain electrified trains on tracks
Railby StaffApril 3, 2026

Funding Gap Could Force Caltrain to Slash Service, Close Stations

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding. 

Read More →
SEPTA's Exo railcars
Railby StaffApril 2, 2026

SEPTA Purchases Montreal Coach Cars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet

Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Read More →
The South Shore Line with Passengers
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

South Shore Line Extension Debuts, Boosting Rail Access in Northwest Indiana

The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

High-Speed Rail May Boost Brain Health, New Study Finds

Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.

Read More →
An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
SEPTA M vehicle on bridge
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line

From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath stands at a podium with a crowd of community members behind her.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 27, 2026

LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood

The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMarch 24, 2026

Transportation Secretary Duffy, Amtrak Announce Progress on New York Penn Station Project

As part of the contract, the AECOM-LiRo NYPennT Joint Venture will work with Amtrak and the selected Master Developer to completely transform Penn Station, improving safety and operational efficiency, making the system more family-friendly, accommodating increased train and passenger capacity, and delivering a world-class experience to its growing passenger base, according to Amtrak officials.

Read More →