Multiple maintenance closures planned for Sound Transit 1 Line this month
Jan 13, 2026, 5:20 PM
A Link light rail train during its route. (Photo courtesy of Sound Transit)
(Photo courtesy of Sound Transit)
Sections of Sound Transit’s 1 Line will be strategically closed and replaced with buses throughout January for system expansions and critical maintenance work.
From Jan. 13-15, buses will replace Sound Transit’s 1 Line trains during late-night hours between the Stadium and Mount Baker stations as a part of Sound Transit’s regular monthly maintenance program. The maintenance will accommodate essential system maintenance on the 1 Line, Sound Transit announced.
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Sound Transit’s weekend maintenance
Between Jan. 16 and 18, buses will replace the 1 Line trains between Capitol Hill and SODO stations from 10 p.m. on Friday until noon Saturday. The buses will replace the 1 Line again from 10 p.m. Saturday until noon on Sunday.
The weekend 1 Line maintenance will accommodate Sound Transit’s installation of advanced signaling for the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Sound Transit noted that passengers should plan for approximately 30 minutes of increased travel time.
Additionally, 1 Line trains will operate every 15 minutes between Lynnwood and Capitol Hill and between SODO and Federal Way.
1 Line shuttle buses will also operate every 10 to 15 minutes between Capitol Hill and SODO, making all intermediate stops.
Maintenance closures for Jan. 23-26
Buses will replace 1 Line trains between Capitol Hill and SODO stations from 10 p.m. Friday until the start of service on Monday. Crews will work on testing the advanced signaling system in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.
Sound Transit noted travelers should plan for about 30 minutes of increased travel time.
The 1 Line trains will also operate every 15 minutes between Lynnwood and Capitol Hill and between SODO and Federal Way.
Additionally, 1 Line buses will operate every 10 to 15 minutes between Capitol Hill and SODO, and will make all intermediate stops.
Seahawks playoff game disruptions
Sound Transit stated it will work closely with the Seahawks to monitor the NFL playoff calendar in order to “keep the region moving.” The 1 Line will be open for the Seahawks’ playoff games and fan activities before and after each game.
The Seattle Seahawks will host the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Sound Transit projects
Additional closures will be made as crews work towards opening the Crosslake Connection. This will extend the 2 Line from the Eastside to Seattle and prepare the system for higher demand during the FIFA World Cup.
Sound Transit noted that riders can sign up for automatic email notifications that provide service alerts for the Link light rail, ST Express bus routes, the T Line, and the Sounder N Line and S Line.
These alerts provide riders with information on schedule changes and assist in planning trips around inclement weather.
The Sound Transit service alerts page can be found here.
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