The long awaited Northgate Link Extension, which will connect rapidly changing neighborhoods in North Seattle to downtown in 14 minutes, will open to the public on Saturday, October 2.
The Northgate Link Extension, which will connect light rail transit beyond its current terminus at the University of Washington north to Northgate, will open this week.
Mike Lindblom reports the big transit news for Seattle, describing the project as another transformation for North Seattle. "Light rail arrives just in time for traffic-free connections to the new Kraken Community Iceplex and a walk-bike bridge over Interstate 5 to North Seattle College, to be followed by thousands of new apartments, offices, a medical clinic and two proposed hotels," according to Linblom. (In 2019, Planetizen shared the news of the development boom that anticipated the transit extension.)
The $1.9 billion megaproject spans 4.3 miles and will add three new stations in Seattle—two underground (the U District and Roosevelt stations) and an elevate station at Northgate. Trains will run every eight minutes during peak hours and travel from Northgate to the University of Washington in seven minutes, and 14 minutes from Northgate to downtown Seattle.
"Sound Transit has estimated the new Northgate, Roosevelt and U District stations that open Saturday will attract a combined 42,000-49,000 riders per day, adding to the 80,000 who rode light rail before COVID-19," adds Lindblom.
FULL STORY: Light rail ready to open at Northgate, transforming more than just commutes
Sooner Rather Than Later: Support Builds for Eastside-Only Light Rail in Seattle
The Eastside Link light rail route, now known as Line 2, is delayed. A Sound Transit board officials is suggesting that some of the route can open soon, while the rest of the route is prepped to open later.
The Northgate Link Extension Is Great, But Voters Want More
A recent survey of Seattle voters finds widespread support for the continued expansion of the Link light rail system in Seattle.
$158 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding Going to Seattle-Area Light Rail Projects
New Capital Investment Grant funding was announced earlier this month.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie