89 replies to this topic

[Lightning]

More on the special track bed underneath the main UW campus, with a nice video.  From Sound Transit.  They haven't been mentioning it as all eyes are on Northgate, but where the downtown transit tunnel bores underneath Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony at the University Street Station (no current relation to the UW stations), similar rubber pads were installed so as not to cause undue vibrations while concerts were being held. And I think something similar is being used on the floating bridge over Lake Washington to get East Link over the water to the Eastside.  Fun fact: University Street in downtown Seattle and extending up through First Hill was indeed named for the University of Washington whose original campus was downtown in what is now the financial district.  (The UW still owns a lot of land in that area, known as the University Tract, and rents it out, bringing in vast sums to the university's coffers.)  Seeing the inevitable growth in the area, the state moved the campus to its present location in 1894.  University Street Station is to be renamed so as to avoid confusion for visitors who might be unaware that it is NOT the location of the UW campus.  

[KevinKorell]

I think there will still be confusion between University District and the existing UW Husky Stadium stations.  I suggest they might throw the words North and/or South on one or both of them.

[Lightning]

As I send this dispatch from Sound Transit, a little over twelve hours to time zero!

[KevinKorell]

As I send this dispatch from Sound Transit, a little over twelve hours to time zero!

 

I can sense your excitement, and yes a new line segment is always positive news.  However I don't think it would be prudent for our group to return to the Seattle area for another Fest soon, given as the cited announcement says, there is so much else on the table for the next 3 years. It would be great to come back when Lynnwood, Downtown Redmond, and Federal Way are all completed (assuming the 2024 date is adhered to), giving so much more to accomplish.   We "just missed" the Angle Lake extension when we last visited in 2016 but that would be absorbed into a trip to Federal Way when possible.

[KevinKorell]

KIRO-TV,  Channel 7 in Seattle, WA, 10/1/21:

 

 

    Light rail to Northgate opens Saturday  

 

 

On the last day before light rail runs to Northgate, Michael Claffey was excited to trade up from the bus.

 

Story

[EvergreenRailfan]

Can’t wait. Especially for my commute Monday, because of my connecting bus being changed.

[EvergreenRailfan]

Was just checking Pantograph App, first Northbound is entering U-District station, it’s open. I’ll be riding it later today.

[CNJRoss]

The Seattle Times, 10/2/21

 

New light-rail stations now open at U District, Roosevelt and Northgate

 

 

 

 

Headed to the airport, Dave and Sue MacDonald board a light-rail train at the Northgate station early Saturday, the station’s opening day. The convenience of the station — walkable from their home — was one reason they moved to the neighborhood. (Ellen Banner / The Seattle Times)

 

 

Sound Transit’s light-rail trains arrived early Saturday to take riders from Northgate to the airport, carry families from Roosevelt Station into downtown, and scoop up college students from the U District Station to shifts at weekend jobs.

 

John Williams, a University of Washington student studying biology and physiology, said the new U District Station will allow him to sleep in another half hour before heading off to work at Chipotle near Westlake Center.

 

Calling the new light-rail extension a “game-changer,” he said this new commute will be “much more convenient.”

 

Saturday’s startup of the $1.9 billion, 4.3-mile transit extension marks a milestone in the history of Seattle, some 25 years after voters passed the first of three Sound Transit tax measures to build a regional high-capacity system.

 

Continue here with photo album.

[KevinKorell]

KUOW Radio, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 10/2/21:

 

 

   Transit riders celebrate new North Seattle light rail route    

 

 

Light rail through North Seattle opened this weekend to a pretty rapturous reception.

 

Read this story.

[Lightning]

 

As I send this dispatch from Sound Transit, a little over twelve hours to time zero!

 

I can sense your excitement, and yes a new line segment is always positive news.  However I don't think it would be prudent for our group to return to the Seattle area for another Fest soon, given as the cited announcement says, there is so much else on the table for the next 3 years. It would be great to come back when Lynnwood, Downtown Redmond, and Federal Way are all completed (assuming the 2024 date is adhered to), giving so much more to accomplish.   We "just missed" the Angle Lake extension when we last visited in 2016 but that would be absorbed into a trip to Federal Way when possible.

 

KK:  By all means, hold off visiting until those lines open.  And (very hopefully) Covid won't be such an issue by then.  And, as you once said, the group is not keen on subway rides!  I have been referring to Link for years as "the subway" and this subway just got longer.  But except for the short tunnel until downtown Bellevue, the upcoming lines will be at grade or above ground, or over the water, floating no less!  I have taken Northgate to downtown and back twice now and the ride is quick (of course) and smooth.  The new cars are brightly lit and of course still newly clean.