USA: The 5·5 km extension of Sound Transit’s light rail 2 Line from Redmond Technology to two new stops at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond opened for passengers on May 10.
Local company Microsoft provided a free shuttle service to the opening celebrations, and was one of the sponsors of prizes, family activities, food, drinks and commemorative cards loaded with a regional day pass.
Services between South Bellevue and Downtown Redmond run every 10 min from 05.30 to 21.30 seven days a week
The Downtown Redmond Link Extension is the first section of line to open under the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure approved by voters in 2016. Two more openings are planned within the next year, including the completion of the 2 Line from Bellevue to Seattle over a floating bridge across Lake Washington which is now expected in early 2026. That will be followed by the extension of 1 Line services to Federal Way later in the year.
‘This expansion of the 2 Line into Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village is a game-changer, linking the connecting Eastside communities and giving residents more options to get around’, said US Representative Suzan DelBene. ’Investments like this are not just about improving transportation - they’re about fostering growth, creating opportunities, and strengthening the fabric of our neighbourhoods. This is just the beginning. Eventually, this will connect us all the way into Seattle and other regional transit options.’
A joint venture of Stacy Witbeck and Kuney was appointed to design and build the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. Jacobs and Hatch led on the design work, Hensel Phelps built the stops and Mass Electric and Modern Rail Systems installed the railway systems including overhead electrification, power supplies, signalling and communications. Soiund Transit said the project had been completed within the $1·5bn budget.
