Light rail is on time, under budget, and set to open July 18, Sound Transit Boardmember Larry Phillips said this week.
“Hundreds of people are working hard behind the scenes to make sure light rail opens on time and is ready for the large crowds expected opening weekend,” said Phillips, chair of the Central Link Oversight Committee. “The opening celebration will be an opportunity for the people of this region to revel in the long-anticipated arrival of light rail and the progress it brings for our economy, our mobility, and our environment.”
Link light rail construction is 98 percent complete with an estimated final cost of $2.3 billion, $137 million under the project’s $2.437 billion budget.
At a briefing Thursday, committee members learned that:
·Construction is complete on the trackway and on 10 of the 12 stations.
·Workers are applying the finishing touches on the Beacon Hill and Mount Baker stations, and work on both stations is 99-percent complete.
·Operators are continuing to test light rail vehicles, simulating passenger service operations.
·Work to conduct 100-mile burn-in testing of each of the 35 light rail vehicles is 94 percent complete.
·The light rail safety certification drills have been successfully completed.
Trains will begin running for passengers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 18 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 19. During opening weekend, train rides will be free. Sound Transit consulted with event planning firms and other transit agencies to develop plans for managing the large crowds expected during opening weekend. Each station will have activities and shuttle buses, and participants should anticipate long lines to board the trains.
“I hope people will come ride the trains opening weekend and enjoy the family-friendly entertainment at the stations while waiting for your turn to board the train,” said Phillips.
Regular service will begin on July 20 and operate under the regular schedule with trains running from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and fares ranging from $1.75 to $2.50.
