CHOKEPOINTS

Seattle First Hill streetcar test runs have begun

Jan 23, 2016, 10:34 PM | Updated: May 7, 2016, 10:35 pm

Ready to ride on the long awaited First Hill streetcar?

“Promotional service” for Seattle’s First Hill streetcar line began at 11 a.m. on Saturday. That means passengers can ride for free while streetcar crews work out any issues, leading up to the official grand opening.

There’s no word yet on when the $135 million project will be up and running on a regular schedule.

There are 10 stops on the 2.5 mile route connecting Capitol Hill to SoDo.

Stops include: First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, Swedish and Harborview Medical Centers, Seattle Central College, Seattle University and CenturyLink and Safeco Fields.

The First Hill Streetcar will also connect to Link Light Rail at the Capitol Hill Station and International District Station, as well as Sounder Commuter Rail and Amtrak intercity rail at King Street Station.

The ultimate goal for Seattle’s streetcar service is to add a connection between South Lake Union’s streetcar line to the First Hill line, running along 1st Avenue and past Pike Place Market and Westlake Center.

Chokepoints

construction roadways weekend...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Prepare for another weekend of major construction on three roadways

Travelers in the Puget Sound region should prepare for delays and road closures this weekend as construction takes place across I-405, SR 99, and I-5.

1 day ago

A photo of the northbound I-5 closure near Everett. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Departm...

Jason Sutich

25-year-old man arrested after climbing, hanging from I-5 overpass near Everett

A 25-year-old man was arrested after climbing and hanging from an I-5 overpass near Everett, prompting officials to shut down all lanes in the area.

2 days ago

tiger mountain sr 18 blocked...

Jason Sutich

All lanes of SR 18 reopen after semi-truck, motorcycle collision near Tiger Mountain

All lanes of SR 18 near Tiger Mountain have reopened after a semi-truck and motorcycle collision.

2 days ago

link light rail sound transit west seattle expansion delay...

Chris Sullivan

West Seattle light rail expansion delayed another 3 years

This is not what West Seattle transit riders wanted to hear. Light rail service to the neighborhood has been delayed again.

2 days ago

bellevue i-405 i-90 ramp close...

Jason Sutich

NB I-405 ramp to EB I-90 in Bellevue reopens hours after semi carrying garbage overturned

The northbound I-405 ramp to eastbound I-90 in Bellevue is fully blocked after a semi-truck carrying garbage overturned on the roadway.

3 days ago

Sound Transit budget deficit delays...

Chris Sullivan

Sound Transit looks to double cost of property acquisition, construction support services for West Seattle expansion

Sound Transit said it needs another $765 million to acquire property and prepare for the link extension to West Seattle, but the overall budget won't change.

3 days ago

Seattle First Hill streetcar test runs have begun