成人X站

CHOKEPOINTS

After long delay, Federal Way light rail may open earlier than expected

Jul 14, 2025, 5:04 AM

Federal Way light rail...

A rendering of the Federal Way light rail, which could open earlier than expected. (Image courtesy of Sound Transit)

(Image courtesy of Sound Transit)

There is some good news for Federal Way residents.

The is expected to open earlier than expected, reported Thursday.

However, while the light rail could open at the end of 2025 instead of early 2026, Sound Transit is not ahead of its original schedule.

Federal Way light rail delayed multiple times

In 2023, 成人X站 Newsradio reported that the Federal Way light rail would be delayed another year and wouldn’t be open until 2026, making it a two-year setback.

The light rail extension was 70% done in 2023 when crews were hit with a bump in the road.

Contractors had to build a 500-foot-long bridge over unstable soil. The original plan was to build flat rail tracks, but following the discovery, there was concern that a single seismic event could disrupt the rail.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said Sound Transit did study the soil before construction, but failed to find anything wrong until May 2023.

“They [Sound Transit] were required to do it before,” Ferrell said. “Then I think that it was so heavily wooded in that area, that it wasn鈥檛 really till they got a lot of those trees out. And they really kind of figured out what they had with the trees gone.”

He noted that “nobody likes delays,” but for a critical project, it’s important to get everything right.

“My comparison is when I鈥檓 getting on a plane, or if I鈥檓 on a plane, and they鈥檙e saying, ‘Well, we gotta do some work for security, for the safety of the plane.’ My attitude is, take your time, get it right,” Ferrell said.

The exact opening date for the Federal Way light rail is still being finalized, according to The Urbanist. When it’s up and running, riders will be able to travel between downtown Federal Way and Westlake in less than an hour.

Contributing: 成人X站 Newsradio

Follow Julia Dallas on聽 Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

Chokepoints

National I-90 patrols speed...

Jason Sutich

‘Safety has no borders’: National I-90 patrols begin July 20

National law enforcement agencies will enhance safety along I-90 from July 20 to 27 through coordinated speed enforcement efforts.

16 hours ago

Shoreline roundabout event...

成人X站 Newsradio staff

Shoreline prepares drivers for new I-5 intersections with ‘Roundabout Ready’ event

Discover how Shoreline prepares commuters for new I-5 intersections with the 'Roundabout Ready' event amidst construction challenges.

1 day ago

sr 18 I-90 eight days...

Chris Sullivan

SR 18 to close for eight days for construction at I-90

The new I-90/SR 18 interchange opens next week after nearly two years of construction, but drivers have eight days of pain to endure before that happens.

2 days ago

Federal Way light rail...

Julia Dallas

After long delay, Federal Way light rail may open earlier than expected

The Federal Way light rail extension may launch ahead of schedule, as reported by The Urbanist on Thursday.

3 days ago

Washington state ferries wenatchee hybrid-electric ferry...

James Lynch

Washington State Ferries launches largest hybrid-electric ferry in North America

Discover how Washington State Ferries leads with the largest hybrid-electric ferry in North America, enhancing eco-friendly travel.

6 days ago

southbound sr 167 wsdot...

Nate Connors

Southbound SR 167 to remain open this weekend

The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has decided to keep Southbound SR 167 open this weekend amid a flurry of upcoming highway closures.

6 days ago

After long delay, Federal Way light rail may open earlier than expected