02/06/2022, 23:10 Gmail - FW: Upcoming Link Service Impacts

FW: Upcoming Link Service Impacts

Gallagher, John <John.Gallagher@soundtransit.org> Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 4:08 PM

This is the notice that went to the Board.

John Gallagher
Media Relations Supervisor
Sound Transit
(206) 689-4980

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From: Belman, Brooke <brooke.belman@soundtransit.org>

Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 1:35 PM
To: *Sound Transit Board <soundtransitboard@soundtransit.org>; *Sound Transit Board Staff <soundtransitboardstaff@
soundtransit.org>
Subject: Upcoming Link Service Impacts

Boardmembers - I am writing to let you know about a series of construction and maintenance activities starting in July that
will impact Link service and passengers as we prepare to open 33 miles of Link extensions in the next three years. Our
upcoming work on these "Future Ready" projects is summarized in the attached news release that we are preparing to
issue early next week.

The first work to get underway will be the replacement of station platform tiles at Columbia City Station. Because the tiles
are failing well short of their intended lifespan, creating hazards, single-tracking is necessary while the tiles are replaced
and the platform is repaired. Completing this work now will impact far fewer riders than if we delayed it until after further
expansions open.

The next project will take place over two three-day periods in October in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (DSTT), as
we work on the overhead catenary system. This work will allow us to isolate future traction power shut-downs to specific
zones within the DSTT, reducing future customer impacts. Currently, we have to close the entire DSTT when we are
working on projects within it.

We will also be replacing and repairing the overhead catenary system in Tukwila, followed by more extensive work in the
DSTT to repair and replace equipment and rails.

Throughout this work, we will put intensive focus on passenger communications to ensure they are aware of the changes
and can plan their trips accordingly.

We need to ensure that our system is ready for the major expansions ahead. While the disruptions that this work will
cause are unavoidable, we will work hard to minimize the impact. The end result will be a safe and improved system
ready for our next phase of growth.

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02/06/2022, 23:10 Gmail - FW: Upcoming Link Service Impacts

We will keep you informed on these projects in the weeks and months to come. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me
with any questions or concerns.

-Brooke

Brooke Belman
Sound Transit
(o) 206.398.5238 | (m) 206.251.7747

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — XX XX, 2022

Link riders should prepare for intermittent periods of travel impacts

from July through early 2023
“Future Ready” construction and maintenance activities will prepare for the addition of
33 miles of light rail operations over the next three years

Starting in July, Link riders need to prepare for intermittent periods of less frequent service and
replacement bus service while a series of “Future Ready” construction and maintenance activities
prepare Sound Transit to more than double the length of the light rail system within the next
three years. These projects will position the light rail system for a transformative period of
growth but will require passengers to monitor which periods will require planning ahead for
longer travel times.

“We need to ensure that our system is ready for the major expansions ahead,” said Sound Transit
Interim CEO Brooke Belman. “These projects will impact far fewer riders now than if we
delayed them until after further expansions open. While the disruptions that this work will cause
are unavoidable, we will work hard to minimize the impact on service to our riders. The end
result will be a safe and improved system ready for our next phase of growth.”

Below are dates and details for the first two phases of the Future Ready projects, as well as what
to expect with later work. Sound Transit will post updates and rider alerts that include specific
dates and durations for those projects as details are finalized.

Time periods Travel impact

Monday, July 11 to Sunday, July 24
Monday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 4
Friday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, Oct. 23
Friday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 13
A period of five days in late Q3 2022
In order to replace tile at the Columbia City Station,
train frequencies will be reduced to 20 minutes in each
direction during all operating hours during the closure of
one track, requiring all trains to use a single track
between Mount Baker and Tukwila.
As a result of work on the overhead catenary system in
the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (DSTT), train
frequencies will be reduced to 20 minutes in each
direction until 11 p.m. From 11 p.m. until end of
revenue service, a Link bus shuttle will be available to
connect passengers between Capitol Hill Station and
SODO Station.
In order to repair and replace the overhead catenary
system, Link will be shut down between Rainier Beach
and Tukwila International Blvd. stations with a Link bus
 shuttle connecting passengers between these two
stations.
A period of at least three weeks in Q4 Trains will be single tracked through the DSTT and
2022 train frequencies will be reduced to 20 minutes.

Q1 2023 This work is needed to complete connections between

the current 1-Line service and new 2-Line tracks that
will link riders to the Eastside. Impacts are still to be
determined.

In preparation for the upcoming service changes, passengers should sign up for Rider Alerts to
make sure they receive information as it becomes available. Throughout these service impacts,
the agency will be providing frequent communication with passengers to help them plan their
rides.

Summary of Future Ready projects and benefits

The Columbia City Station tile replacement is necessary to replacing failing station tiles on the
platform at the station. The tiles are failing before their intended lifespan due to issues with the
concrete below them and are creating a safety hazard.

The work scheduled in October in the DSTT will divide the overhead catenary system in the
tunnel four separate sections. As a result of this work, for many projects the entire tunnel will not
need to be closed for future work in a single section, as is currently the case.

The work in the fourth quarter in the DSTT is to repair equipment and rails. This work will
reduce the potential for delays and result in a smoother ride for customers.

Replacing escalators and elevators

At the same time Future Ready projects get underway, Sound Transit will continue working to
replace virtually all of the escalators and elevators in the DSTT. When Sound Transit took
responsibility for the facility last year, all but one of the 58 conveyances were beyond their
intended life spans, and their unreliability is a frequent source of frustration for Sound Transit
passengers. The bulk of the $96 million budgeted for DSTT capital improvement projects
through 2025 is dedicated to is funding the assessment and design of the replacement vertical
conveyance assets. The agency thanks passengers for their patience as these extensive upgrades
take place.

Sound Transit is simultaneously working to extend light rail north, south, east and west, more
than doubling the size of its system to 62 miles in the next few years. The East Link extension
will extend service from downtown Seattle to Mercer Island, downtown Bellevue and the
Overlake area of Redmond. Construction is underway to further extend service to Downtown
Redmond. Construction is also underway to extend service to Lynnwood and Federal Way.

CONTACT: John Gallagher (206) 689-4980 or john.gallagher@soundtransit.org

— Sound Transit: Connecting more people to more places to make life better and
create equitable opportunities for all. Visit www.soundtransit.org —