Get ready for some disruptions, Seattle commuters! 🚌🚆
Sound Transit is temporarily shutting down parts of the Link light rail 1 Line in January, aiming to improve and expand the system. But this necessary upgrade comes with a catch: it'll cause some travel headaches for regular riders.
Here's the lowdown: during multiple periods in January, specific sections of the 1 Line will be closed, with buses stepping in to replace trains. The most significant disruptions will be felt between Capitol Hill and SODO stations, where the installation and testing of cutting-edge signaling technology in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel are underway. This means commuters should brace for approximately half an hour of extra travel time during these closures.
The first shutdown starts on the night of Friday, January 9th, with buses taking over from 10 p.m. until noon the next day, and again from 10 p.m. Saturday until noon on Sunday. Trains will still run every 15 minutes between Lynnwood and Capitol Hill, and between SODO and Federal Way, while shuttle buses will bridge the gap between Capitol Hill and SODO, stopping at each station en route.
But here's where it gets controversial: these closures are necessary for progress, but they might leave some commuters frustrated. And this isn't a one-time thing; the Capitol Hill-SODO section will face similar closures the following weekend, and again from January 23rd to 26th, with buses filling in.
Sound Transit assures that the 1 Line will stay operational for Seahawks playoff games and fan events, working closely with the team as the NFL playoff picture unfolds. And there's more to come, with future closures anticipated as the Crosslake Connection is prepared to extend the 2 Line and as the system gears up for the FIFA World Cup's influx of travelers.
So, Seattleites, are these temporary disruptions a fair trade-off for long-term improvements? Share your thoughts below! Is this a necessary step towards a better transit system, or could Sound Transit have found a less disruptive way to achieve the same goals? Let the discussion begin!
