Sound Transit unanimously approves East Link starter line to open spring 2024

The Sound Transit Board unanimously voted Thursday to approve a proposal that would launch an East Link light rail starter line next year.

The plan will allow early opening of the light rail on the Eastside while work continues on the delayed segment that crosses Lake Washington and connects to Seattle.

“Almost exactly one year ago, when we first learned that Eastlink light rail would be significantly delayed due to workmanship issues on the I-90 bridge, I proposed that we open an Eastside-only starter line,” District 6 King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci said in a prepared statement. “This pivot from a long-established plan to adapt to changing circumstances is a testament to hard work, creativity and nimble action by agency staff, as well as the overwhelming enthusiasm by cities and community members from across the Eastside …”

Balducci originally proposed the idea last year, claiming the Eastside-only service would be important in connecting major population areas east of Lake Washington and utilizing tracks that are ready to be used.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/sound-transit-unanimously-approves-east-005337000.html