‘Strategic closures’ — Expect lots of light rail service disruptions in Seattle to end 2025

The cross-lake connection is coming (Image: Sound Transit)

Expect loads of light rail service disruptions in Seattle through November and December as Sound Transit crews complete repairs, maintenance, and important work to add a new second line through the city.

Sound transit says the “strategic closures” will begin this week:

Starting Nov. 8, Sound Transit will implement a series of strategic closures on the 1 Line to support repairs, maintenance, and critical 2 Line integration work. Passengers should prepare for delays and plan ahead during the following 1 Line service suspensions:

• Nov. 8: 1 Line service will be suspended between U District and Westlake from start of service until 2 p.m. for maintenance. Buses will replace trains.
• Nov. 16: 1 Line service will be suspended between Capitol Hill and Stadium to replace a cracked rail north of Westlake. Buses will replace trains.
• Nov. 18-20: 1 Line service between Capitol Hill and SODO will end early to allow for expanded overnight maintenance. Buses will replace trains.
• Dec. 2-4: 1 Line service between Northgate and Capitol Hill will end early to allow for expanded overnight maintenance. Buses will replace trains.
• Dec. 12-13: 1 Line service will be suspended from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. between Capitol Hill and Stadium to install advanced signaling in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Buses will replace trains.
• Dec. 20-21: 1 Line service will be suspended from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. between Capitol Hill and Stadium to install advanced signaling in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Buses will replace trains.
• Dec. 27-28: 1 Line service will be suspended from 11 p.m. to 10 a.m. between Capitol Hill and Stadium to install advanced signaling in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Buses will replace trains.

Work will continue through January 2026, with specific dates to be determined. For up-to-date information, passengers can sign up to receive automatic email service alerts for Link light rail, ST Express, T Link, Sounder N Line and Sounder S Line. Rider Alerts provide information about schedule changes and help riders plan trips around inclement weather. Just go to Service alerts | Sound Transit.

The work comes as Sound Transit prepares to begin service on its new 2 Line and the new connection to the region’s light rail system across Lake Washington via I-90. That extension and the Central District’s new Judkins Park Station — and its Hendrix inspired design — has been pushed back to a 2026 opening.

Meanwhile, challenging economic forecasts have left Seattle leaders jockeying for position with hopes of keeping key expansions to West Seattle (2032) and Ballard (2039) on track.

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