Seattle’s 62-year-old monorail will receive a $23 million Seattle Center station overhaul aimed at modernizing the aging structure while preserving its mid-century character, with construction scheduled to begin after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The iconic rail line transports more than two million riders annually along its mile-long route between Seattle Center and Westlake Center but shows significant deterioration. Rust covers structures, water infiltrates where it shouldn’t, and safety guardrails contain gaps that no longer meet modern standards.
“If we didn’t do this project, the station wouldn’t exist too much longer,” project manager Robert Leykam told Axios.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair alongside the Space Needle, the monorail was designed as a glimpse into the future. Sixty-two years of continuous operation has taken its toll, with the structure deteriorating and layouts failing to meet contemporary accessibility and safety requirements.
The renovation, funded by a $15 million federal grant and Washington State Department of Transportation support, will take approximately 15 months. At least one of two trains will continue operating during construction to serve tourists, commuters, and Kraken fans.
Upgrades include an accessible ramp connecting the monorail platform to Thomas Street, providing wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges a direct route. New guardrails and gate systems will replace outdated barriers, improving safety and increasing platform capacity. Enhanced lighting will make the station more visible from distance and brighten the experience for riders arriving after dark. Crews will clear vegetation grown around the structure over decades, opening sightlines and improving station visibility.
Principal architect Mark Johnson said the goal is creating a “welcoming front door” to Seattle Center where safety and design work together.
Workers will also rebuild train suspension systems and smooth guideways, reducing noise and vibration riders have come to expect. The improvements promise a quieter, smoother ride.
The timing aligns with Seattle hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches and Sound Transit’s expanding light rail network, both expected to increase monorail ridership. The Westlake station, connecting to downtown shopping and transit hubs, was renovated in 2021.
“The use will only get greater and greater,” Johnson said, noting the steady stream of visitors, sports fans, and commuters relying on the line.
The monorail represents Seattle’s tension between preserving its quirky past and embracing a high-tech future, functioning as both a working museum piece and practical transit link, a nostalgic ride and legitimate transportation option.
