Delayed opening of Sound Transit's Federal Way Link Extension now rescheduled for winter 2025
Federal Way Link Extension to Start Service Early in Winter 2025
The much-anticipated Federal Way Link Extension is set to open earlier than initially expected, with service starting as soon as winter 2025. This accelerated timeline was approved by the Sound Transit Board in July 2025, following significant progress in construction and testing phases.
The extension will add approximately 8 miles of new light rail service south of the current Angle Lake Station, and include new stations at Kent, Des Moines, Star Lake, and Downtown Federal Way. Testing has progressed from system integration to pre-revenue testing, indicating readiness for operation soon.
Previously, the Federal Way Link Extension was slated to open in March 2026. However, due to a slippage in the East Link Crosslake Connection (now scheduled for early 2026) and a revised testing process that requires less time, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine pushed for an accelerated Federal Way opening potentially as early as fall 2025, solidifying the winter 2025 target.
The policy requiring at least six months between major openings was relaxed because testing can be "condensed significantly," allowing the Federal Way extension and the Crosslake Connection to open close together without delay.
The earlier opening of the Federal Way Link Extension will improve connectivity for south-end communities, providing faster transit options to jobs, housing, and recreation across the Puget Sound region. It also allows Sound Transit to maintain the schedule for the Crosslake Connection between Seattle and Bellevue, critical for regional mobility and upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
The extension’s operation will expand the reach of Sound Transit’s 1 Line train, enhancing regional transit infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation. Sound Transit CEO Constantine emphasizes opening projects when they are ready to make the best use of agency resources and serve commuters effectively.
The project includes three new stations in Kent, Des Moines near Highline College, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way. The full 2 Line will be completed with the opening of the 1-90 segment of East Link, which will add the Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations to the 2 Line.
Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci expressed excitement about the early opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, and emphasized the goal of building a fast, frequent, reliable transit network that helps more people get to more places. Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan Mello expressed gladness about the Federal Way Link Extension bringing light rail closer to Pierce County.
Balducci also mentioned the commitment to opening the connection across the I-90 bridge without further delay. The Crosslake Connection on 2 Line is expected to open in early 2026 as planned. Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers stated that the resequencing of opening dates reflects the actual status of each project.
The 1 Line will connect to the 2 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station in downtown Seattle with the completion of East Link. Live wire testing, the second phase of system integration testing, is scheduled to start on the Homer M. Hadley floating bridge this month.
In summary, the Federal Way Link Extension will begin service as soon as winter 2025, several months earlier than planned, thanks to project progress and streamlined testing. This advancement benefits transit users in the Puget Sound area and helps Sound Transit meet its broader regional transportation goals efficiently. Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine states that the agency is constantly exploring creative ways to deliver projects sooner while ensuring a safe and reliable system.
- The earlier opening of the Federal Way Link Extension, planned for winter 2025, will contribute to the expansion of Sound Transit's 1 Line train, enhancing the regional transit infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation in the industry.
- The accelerated timeline for the Federal Way Link Extension's service also aims to improve public-transit options for south-end communities, providing faster methods for commuters to access jobs, housing, and recreation, ultimately boosting transportation across the Puget Sound region.
- The Federal Way Link Extension, including stations in Kent, Des Moines, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way, will be part of the 2 Line upon the opening of the 1-90 segment of East Link, which will add Mercer Island and Judkins Park stations, further developing the public-transit infrastructure in the region.
