East Link Train Tests Resume In Bellevue

BELLEVUE, WA — Sound Transit has resumed live train testing on light rail tracks around Bel-Red, kicking off the latest chapter in the East Link project.

Neighbors may have noticed trains running Monday, and active tests are slated to continue over the next few months. According to Sound Transit, the trains are running between the new South Bellevue and Redmond Technology stations, including stops at Bel-Red and Wilburton.

The Bel-Red section of the track includes an at-grade crossing, which the train will pass through once each morning and once each evening. Officials said flaggers will be on-site as needed to direct traffic and urged drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to use caution in the area.

The tests are scheduled regularly, depending on weather and other factors, but officials said everyone should expect trains to be running at any time and take a few simple precautions:

• Look both ways.
• Headphones off, screens down.
• Take crosswalks, not shortcuts.
• Stay behind the yellow line.
• Assume there is always a train coming.
• Cross only at designated areas.
• Always look both ways before crossing the tracks.
• Plan ahead — leave early and allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen issues.

Once the East Link is complete, transit riders will have access to 10 new stations and 14 miles of track running between Seattle and the Eastside.

Originally scheduled to open this summer, Sound Transit is still finalizing an updated project timeline due to construction challenges that may delay completion by more than a year. Officials estimate daily ridership could surpass 50,000 people on the East Link and Downtown Redmond extension by 2026.