Sound Transit has backed off plans to drop service frequencies across its light rail system as it undertakes a roster of summer maintenance projects to prepare for upcoming expansions.

The decision means light rail trains are planned to maintain 10-minute frequencies serving stations north of the stadiums including Capitol Hill.

But the new plan means 20-minute train frequencies “that were previously announced to be systemwide” during the upcoming planned work will “now only apply between Stadium and Angle Lake stations.

“Sound Transit will instead strive to maintain 10-minute frequencies between Stadium and Northgate stations,” the statement on the new service levels reads.

Sound Transit’s decision comes after criticism of the initial plans for systemwide slowdowns by transit advocates.

This summer, Sound Transit will undertake a series of “Future Ready” projects to further prepare existing light rail facilities for the upcoming expansion. CHS reported here on the new schedule for completion of the new line to the Eastside including a new station at Judkins Park now slated to open in winter 2024.

It has been a busy spring for Sound Transit. A new and improved Orca card system has gone online in a mostly successful transition meant to make it easier for riders to set up and manage their payment accounts.

The more limited service disruptions on the south end of the existing line will begin in July:

On July 11, one side of the tracks through Seattle’s Rainier Valley will close for two weeks to enable platform work at Columbia City Station. The work involves removing platform tiles and mortar and rebuilding a concrete base to ensure new tiles offer good durability, eliminating tripping hazards and safety risks from cracking tiles.

The result will mean an “every other” train strategy for southbound trains:

To enable this effort, every other 1 Line train headed south will terminate at Stadium Station rather than continuing on the single track that is open through the Rainier Valley. This requires southbound and northbound trains to take turns using that track. Passengers on the half of trains that must terminate at Stadium Station will have to wait approximately 10 minutes before boarding the next trains south — with wait times subject to fluctuations. We strongly encourage southbound riders to pay attention to the train’s head sign and wait for an Angle Lake train if traveling south of Stadium Station. This will prevent the need for a transfer at Stadium Station.

Sound Transit says the first two-week period of construction at Columbia City will run July 11th to the 24th. Work will begin again August 19th through September 21st, a staggering Sound Transit said it added to avoid disruptions during “two high-ridership sports events.”

There will be more projects in the future — and more possible service impacts — including efforts to smooth the trip through downtown Seattle:

Line passengers travelling between University Street and Westlake stations may notice that as the train curves right, it shakes and jerks on a curving section of track where work is needed to correct defects and accelerated wear. Installing new rail in this area, with improved geometry and curvature, will result in smoother and faster trips.

Learn more at soundtransit.org.