More trouble for Tacoma Link extension, Sound Transit CEO says. Completion date uncertain

The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension construction project is delayed again, Sound Transit’s CEO announced Thursday.

The project to lengthen the Tacoma Link to Stadium District and Hilltop was scheduled to open in spring of 2023. Julie Timm, the new CEO of Sound Transit, said the agency would not meet that targeted opening date. The new opening date has not been announced, but she said the link extension would open by fall of 2023.

The project doubles the length of Tacoma Link, relocates the Theater District station and adds six stations. The 2.4-mile route extension connects downtown with the Stadium District, Wright Park, hospitals and Hilltop.

Timm said the delay was caused by construction issues.

“They’re resolvable, but they are pushing our schedule,” she said in a video message.

Timm wrote in a Sound Transit update that during system testing and final inspections to prepare for service, the agency identified a new issue regarding the track geometry — the tracks’ relation to each other — in one section of the extension. Sound Transit brought in track experts this week to provide an independent assessment of the issues and possible corrective actions for evaluation, she wrote.

“This is an emerging concern, and we don’t have all the answers yet on how it will affect Hilltop’s opening timeline,” she wrote.

Timms said Sound Transit is committed to transparency and “no surprises” and will share what it knows as soon as possible.

David Jackson, Sound Transit’s public information officer, said the track experts will advise Sound Transit on a path forward and if the project will require more funding. Additional funding would need to be approved by its board.

Timm acknowledged the construction impacts on residents and businesses.

“On behalf of everyone at Sound Transit, we share your feelings of urgency to complete construction,” she stated.

The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension project broke ground in November 2018. It was planned to be completed this May, but due to supply problems, additional work and pricier parts, the project completion date was pushed back. The project was also expected to cost $217 million, but now will cost at least $282 million, which is funded by a partnership with South Transit, city of Tacoma, Federal Transit and other grant sources.

The extension project has had several construction setbacks. The most recent was this summer when construction shut down several blocks of Commerce Street. One section had to remain closed due to an issue found when completing final systems-testing for the project. Construction took an additional month to fix areas of stray electrical current that was found under a segment of newly installed track.

Jackson said the project is “very nearly complete.” He said crews aren’t doing a lot of work during the holiday season, but will be working on the tracks and fixing sidewalks and ADA ramps.

All five new rail cars have arrived in Tacoma, Jackson said.