Transit Agency Accelerates Federal Way Extension opening to Winter 2025
Federal Way Link Extension to Open Earlier than Expected
The Federal Way Link Extension, a crucial part of the regional light-rail system, is now set to open in late 2022 or this fall/winter, according to Sound Transit officials. This is a significant shift from the previously planned March 2026 date.
Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan Mello expressed enthusiasm about the early opening, stating that it brings light rail closer to people traveling to and from Pierce County. Board Chair Dave Somers added that the resequencing of opening dates reflects the actual status of each project and allows for efficient progress.
The Federal Way Link Extension will add nearly eight miles of elevated tracks between the cities of SeaTac and Federal Way, Washington. The project includes three new stations in Kent Des Moines near Highline College, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way.
The Crosslake Connection on Line 2 has been delayed to early 2026 as planned. Sound Transit has completed system integration testing for the Federal Way Link Extension and is ready to move into the pre-revenue testing phase.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine stated that the agency is constantly exploring creative ways to deliver projects sooner while ensuring a safe and reliable system. Live wire testing, the second phase of system integration testing, is scheduled to start on the Homer M. Hadley floating bridge this month.
Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci expressed excitement about the early opening, calling it another success in delivering transit to riders more quickly. The early opening of the Federal Way Link Extension will bring light rail access to these communities sooner than expected.
With the opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, the full Sound Transit light-rail system expansion in the Puget Sound region will see earlier service benefits in the south (Federal Way and Kent areas). The full 2 Line will be completed with the opening of the 1-90 segment of East Link, adding Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations to the 2 Line and connecting to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station in downtown Seattle.
This flexible, real-time adjustment reflects Sound Transit's ability to expedite transit options efficiently while maintaining the overall timeline for completing the full light-rail network in the region. The full 2 Line connection across Lake Washington, critical to linking East King County with Seattle, will still open on schedule in early 2026, supporting preparations for the summer 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
- The early opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, a project within the rail infrastructure of the public-transit industry, has brought the light rail closer to communities in Pierce County, reducing the travel time.
- The resequencing of opening dates for transit projects, such as the Federal Way Link Extension, demonstrates Sound Transit's strategy for efficient progress in the transportation sector, while ensuring safe and reliable service.
- With the Federal Way Link Extension opening ahead of schedule, the full 2 Line of the Sound Transit light-rail system will see earlier benefits in the south (Federal Way and Kent areas), contributing to the overall finance and development of the regional transportation industry.
