Lake Washington light rail crossing opens after 60-year vision

Sound Transit's historic expansion fulfills 2008 voter promise, connecting Seattle and Eastside

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:18am

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After a six-year delay due to complex engineering challenges and bridge repairs, Sound Transit officially opens light rail service across Lake Washington this weekend, marking a major milestone in the Puget Sound region's transit network. The historic expansion fulfills a 2008 voter promise, with leadership reaffirming that future extensions to Ballard, West Seattle, and Tacoma remain on track.

Why it matters

The new light rail crossing is a significant achievement that connects Seattle and the Eastside, fulfilling a long-held regional vision. It is expected to draw large crowds on opening day, with officials comparing the event to a 'Super Bowl' for train enthusiasts. The project faced significant engineering challenges and delays, but its completion represents an important step forward in the region's transit plans.

The details

The light rail line across Lake Washington required complex engineering to allow the floating bridge design to adjust to changing lake levels while maintaining stability. Contractors encountered difficulties with the bridge infrastructure, requiring portions to be rebuilt and delaying the project by about six years. However, officials say the line is now fully safety-certified, with simulations continuing up until opening day.

  • The light rail service across Lake Washington officially opens this weekend.
  • The project faced a six-year delay due to the engineering challenges and bridge repairs.

The players

Sound Transit

The regional transit authority responsible for building and operating the light rail system in the Puget Sound region.

Dow Constantine

The CEO of Sound Transit, who called the opening a historic moment for the agency.

Claudia Balducci

A King County Councilwoman who said the light rail expansion is a vision and dream 60 years in the making.

Henry Bendon

A spokesperson for Sound Transit who provided details about the preview ride across the floating bridge.

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What they’re saying

“This is a vision and a dream 60 years in the making.”

— Claudia Balducci, King County Councilwoman

“Saturday will be the biggest event, the biggest opening in the history of Sound Transit.”

— Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO

“If you're coming from the Eastside, you're going to want to be on the left. If you're coming from Seattle, you're going to want to be on the right.”

— Henry Bendon, Sound Transit spokesperson

What’s next

Sound Transit leaders say broader expansion plans remain in progress, with commitments to extending the light rail system to Ballard, West Seattle, and Tacoma.

The takeaway

The opening of the light rail crossing over Lake Washington represents a significant milestone in the Puget Sound region's transit network, fulfilling a long-held vision and promise to voters. While the project faced engineering challenges and delays, its completion showcases the region's commitment to investing in public transportation and connecting communities.