Link light rail service returns to normal at downtown Seattle stations

After nearly two weeks of unplanned disruptions to Link light rail due to damage caused by construction at the Westlake Station, regular service has resumed through the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel Monday.

Since Apr. 27, trains were single-tracking through downtown stations and passengers had to transfer at the Pioneer Square Station if they were traveling in either direction beyond that point.

Single-tracking was supposed to last until the end of this week, but starting Monday, passengers no longer need to transfer at Pioneer Square and trains will no longer be on only one track.

During peak hours on Monday, trains will be running every 10 minutes instead of the usual every 8 minutes while service ramps up, according to Sound Transit.

By Tuesday, trains are expected to be running at the normal frequency of every 8 minutes during peak hours.

Sound Transit had to disrupt Link light rail service late last month when a construction crew that was working at street level broke through the roof of the tunnel above Westlake Station.

No one was hurt, but further examination showed the damage was worse than originally thought, and service was reduced for the safety of passengers, Sound Transit said.

With the northbound platform closed, Sound Transit crews were able to closely inspect the damage to determine what repairs were needed.

While work to repair the damage will continue, it will be done in a way that allows for normal service.