SEATTLE — WSP in the U.S. congratulates Sound Transit and its regional partners’ historic milestone opening of the Crosslake Connection this past Saturday, completing the Link light rail 2 Line and introducing the world’s first light rail service to operate across a floating bridge.
The Crosslake Connection serves as the latest investment to expand regional mobility, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth throughout the Puget Sound region.
“Completing the Crosslake Connection is a defining moment for regional transit and a testament to years of collaboration and innovation,” said Karen Doherty, Mountain Pacific Region Executive for WSP in the U.S. “It has been an incredibly satisfying journey for our team to work with Sound Transit and its many partners to deliver a project that improves mobility and connectivity.”
WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, served as the prime engineering consultant for the final design of the Crosslake Connection, supporting Sound Transit in delivering this complex and technically unprecedented infrastructure project. WSP’s work focused on integrating light rail infrastructure with the existing Interstate 90 corridor while maintaining safety, performance and long‑term durability.
The opening celebration on March 28 marked the start of passenger service on the final segment of the East Link Extension, connecting Eastside communities and Mercer Island directly with downtown Seattle.
The Crosslake Connection spans Lake Washington along the Interstate 90 corridor, linking the 2 Line with Sound Transit’s north–south 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. This new connection creates a fully integrated regional light rail system and includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park, expanding access to fast, reliable region-wide transit.
The 2 Line now operates continuously between Redmond and Lynnwood, while the combined 1 Line and 2 Line provide frequent service through the system’s busiest corridor. Trains will run approximately every eight minutes during peak periods at the new stations, offering riders a dependable alternative to driving across the lake.
Festivities included a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and community events at stations along the new alignment, welcoming riders to experience the completed 2 Line and the expanded regional transit network.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 83,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of approximately 27,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
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