The Cone Zone

Project Update

The Sound Transit System Expansion Committee (SEC) was briefed on August 18, 2022 on construction delays affecting four programs in the Link Light Rail Expansion. The delays affect the Downtown Redmond Link Extension (DRLE). Anticipated delays for Downtown Redmond Link construction completion are driven primarily by the concrete delivery strike and COVID-19. Construction schedule impacts due to these two factors have been quantified and negotiated with the contractor to be four and a half months, which is mitigated in part by owner-controlled float in the project schedule.

Sound Transit has more work to do to ascertain new opening dates for the projects, but they are anticipating the following based on a combination of construction issues, pandemic challenges, and the concrete delivery strike:

• East Link:  delayed at least a year from the earlier June 2023 opening date
• Downtown Redmond Link: previously scheduled for delivery in mid-2024, now expected to be delayed by four to six months
  

Learn more about delays and this announcement on Sound Transit's website, linked here. 

Watch Julie Timm's (CEO of Sound Transit) December 8, 2022 update on Link projects, linked here. 

Project Overview

The City of Redmond is preparing for the arrival of four light rail stations: Overlake Village and Redmond Technology Stations in 2023, and the Southeast Redmond and Downtown Redmond Stations in 2024.

Sound Transit’s Downtown Redmond Link Extension (DRLE) in Southeast Redmond in Marymoor Village, and Downtown Redmond adjacent to the Redmond Central Connector are both scheduled to open in 2024. Sound Transit’s Board of Directors have chosen the names for the two stations in Downtown Redmond: Marymoor Village Station and Downtown Redmond Station. The selected names were a culmination of collaboration with the community, City of Redmond staff and Sound Transit Staff.

Due to the proximity to Sammamish and the potential for construction-related traffic impacts to Sammamish residents, the City is sharing information on the DRLE to keep residents informed. 

Learn more about these projects:

• Sound Transit Project Page
  • SE Redmond Station
  • Downtown Redmond Station
• City of Redmond Project Page

How to Get Project Updates

Sound Transit is working to keep businesses and residents informed as construction for the Downtown Redmond Link Extension (DRLE) continues to progress along the entire 3.4 - mile alignment. Sound Transit provides regular updates for all of its projects including DRLE. Community members can go to Sound Transit (govdelivery.com) to subscribe to updates for particular projects.

How to Get Traffic Alerts from the City of Redmond

• City of Redmond Traffic Alerts
• Downtown Redmond Link Extension Ongoing Road Closures
• If you are a transit user, make sure to sign-up for Sound Transit rider alerts and/or King County Metro alerts