In the heart of North Seattle, a new transit project is taking shape.
Pinehurst Station (recently renamed from NE 130th St Infill Station) is more than just a stop on Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line—it’s a symbol of progress and community connectivity.
The station is strategically placed between the stations at Northgate and Shoreline South/148th, filling a gap in the transit network and providing a needed link for neighborhoods like Pinehurst, Haller Lake, Bitter Lake, Lake City, and surrounding areas.
Sound Transit takes advantage of lower ridership months in the winter to prepare for future system expansion, like this station and the extension of the 2 Line across Lake Washington.
Unfortunately, this work does cause service disruptions. You can sign up for service alerts to stay up to date, or check our website for more information.
History of the project
The idea for the new station was born out of Sound Transit’s vision for a fully integrated, accessible transit system.
While the initial expansion plans for the 1 Line focused on connecting major hubs, advocates recognized the need for new stations along the existing alignment to serve Seattle’s growing and diverse population.
In 2016, voters approved a transit system expansion that included three infill stations on the current 1 Line. (The other two are the Graham Street and Boeing Access Road stations).
Pinehurst Station is scheduled to open in 2026. With the opening of the Lynnwood Link Extension this past summer, we recognized an opportunity to accelerate the station design and minimize the service impacts while the project is being built.
If you’ve ridden Link up past Northgate recently, you’ve definitely seen the work here, as trains are running daily through the construction zone.
“It can be challenging,” said Sound Transit Construction Manager Linda Morud. “There’s a lot to it, and it has to be done in little pieces of work.”
Morud has worked on many Sound Transit projects over the years, from the Sounder S Line to the downtown tunnel retrofit to the Northgate and Lynnwood Link Extensions.
This one poses an interesting challenge as Sound Transit’s first-ever infill station. It requires a lot of coordination with teams across the agency, from Operations to Passenger Experience to Community Engagement.
An urban oasis
Community groups, city leaders, and transit advocates played a pivotal role in making the vision for the new station a reality.
The project also aligns with Seattle’s broader growth and development goals, including the city’s push for more transit-oriented development.
By integrating housing, businesses, and public spaces around transit hubs, we’re aiming to create vibrant, sustainable communities that reduce reliance on cars.
The station design reflects the unique identity of the surrounding neighborhood, incorporating modern design and pride in nearby natural resources of Thornton Creek. Bright colors, seating areas, and native landscaping are included in the design.
The station will also feature art by Romson Bustillo, who was born on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. His layered works and immersive collaborations go back to his Philippine lineage, his South Seattle/Pacific Northwest upbringing, and numerous research travels.
His artwork will be translated into richly colored, porcelain enamel panels that wrap around the entrances and into both north and south lobbies.
The service building, in the center of the station, will also house a 100-foot-long mural featuring his visual-language inspired by the neighborhood.
When it opens, Pinehurst Station will offer a range of features designed to serve the community:
Accessibility: From elevators and escalators to tactile wayfinding paths to a new dedicated drop-off for paratransit vehicles, the station is being built with accessibility at its core and will serve all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
Community integration: Plans for surrounding infrastructure include pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathways, making it easy to access the station from the neighborhood. These improvements also support new bus service from King County Metro.
Sustainability: Transit is sustainable, but this station goes above and beyond with features like a creative stormwater bioretention feature and LED lighting.
The road ahead
Construction activity in the Pinehurst area will increase in the next few months, and it could impact your commute. At the end of this month, you’ll likely see a crane from I-5 near the station as we construct the stairwells from the street level to the elevated platform.
Come April, there will be periodic ramp closures at the NE 130th St freeway exit, as well as a long-term eastbound closure at NE 130th. Sign up for our email alerts for more information about timing and detours.
As the opening day approaches, Sound Transit will host provide updates to keep residents informed and excited. Stay tuned for updates and join us in marking this exciting milestone in our region’s transit journey.