What you need to know during 10 weeks of light rail closures, construction

Connect 2020 is Sound Transit’s project to connect light rail in the downtown corridor. There’s a lot to look out for when it comes to the next 10 weeks with the construction, and the changes riders are going to see.

What bike riders need to know during 10 weeks of light rail disruptions

That includes shuttle buses, no more bikes, and a new temporary platform at Pioneer Square. Let’s walk through what to expect starting this weekend.

Link shuttle buses are going to replace trains between Capitol Hill and SoDo. There will be a few other weekends with that same closure — one from Feb. 8-9, and another from March 14-15. You can stay up to date on ongoing closures by subscribing to text alerts from Link light rail here.

If you think the trains are going to come as frequently as they typically do, prepare for delays. Four-car trains are going to arrive every 12 minutes during all service hours.

Bikes will not be allowed at the Pioneer Square Station, situated directly between the International District and University Street Stations. That being so, cyclists won’t be completely out of luck, with a protected bike lane providing a safe way around that route.

Prepare for a commute change on Sound Transit’s Link light rail

During this construction, Link light rail is going operate as two lines: Angle Lake to Pioneer Square, and University of Washington to Pioneer Square. If you want to continue past Pioneer Square, you’re going to have to get off the train through the inner doors, and go across across the temporary platform.

Sound Transit will have ambassadors out on the tracks to help direct riders across those areas. If you want to exit at Pioneer Square, you’re going to use the outer doors facing the permanent platform.

I’ll be watching train schedules for potential delays, and will keep you up to speed every afternoon from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on The Candy, Mike and Todd Show on KIRO Radio.