Cantwell Hails Opening of Sound Transit’s Northgate Light Rail Extension

Cantwell Hails Opening of Sound Transit’s Northgate Light Rail Extension

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding today’s grand opening of Sound Transit’s Northgate Link light rail extension: 

“Reaching Northgate is a big milestone for Sound Transit and North Puget Sound commuters.  Northgate has always been a place where traffic clogs. Now, commuters have a new alternative for Downtown, SeaTac and other connections instead of sitting in I-5 congestion,” said Senator Cantwell.

Sound Transit’s Northgate Link Extension extends Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line 4.3 miles from the University of Washington to Northgate, building three new stations in North Seattle. With service beginning tomorrow, the extension will offer North Seattle residents and North Puget Sound commuters more transportation options to downtown Seattle, Sea-Tac International Airport, and other destinations. The Northgate Extension’s three new stations include U District (underground), Roosevelt (underground), and Northgate (elevated).

Senator Cantwell has been a strong supporter of Sound Transit and expanding access to transit options. Earlier this year, Senator Cantwell joined Sen. Murray in introducing the Public Transit Capital Investment Relief Act of 2021, which would provide relief for public transportation agencies through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program by increasing the federal cost share of the total project cost for qualifying projects that are under construction or near completion.

Senator Cantwell has been instrumental in securing billions of dollars of funding for Sound Transit. She has repeatedly advocated to increase funding for Sound Transit with senior Department of Transportation officials. She has helped Sound Transit secure CIG grants and other federal funding, and successfully advocated for TIGER grants that have helped fund light rail expansion projects.

###