 A photo of a Link light rail train crossing a bridge at sunset with the silhouette of Mt. Rainier in the background
In June, we announced two new route alignments to be studied, one along I-5 and one along SR 99/Evergreen Way, as a response to public comments and Board direction to explore cost savings during the realignment process.
At their meeting on September 28, the Elected Leadership Group (ELG) provided direction to no longer study the I-5 and SR 99/Evergreen alignments in the Level 2 evaluation. They expressed concerns about the I-5 and SR 99/Evergreen alignments, including:
- These alignments are inconsistent with the Representative Alignment adopted by the Board in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 plan.
- Compared to the Representative Alignment, the I-5 and SR 99/Evergreen alignments do not serve some areas of the community, including the largest employment center in the region and certain historically underserved populations.
- As part of ST3 planning, similar alignments along I-5 and SR 99 were studied but were ultimately not adopted by the Board.
- The removal of stations and reduction of light rail service is too great of a tradeoff to continue to study the I-5 or SR 99/Evergreen alignments.
The ELG noted the concerns raised by the Community Advisory Group, community organizations and members of the public, specifically around equity issues, gentrification and displacement. They stated their commitment to bring light rail and associated benefits to current residents and businesses while working to address issues like housing affordability and potential changes to community culture and character.
We will continue evaluating the alternatives recommended for further study by the ELG in April.
Results of this evaluation will be shared with the ELG, the Community Advisory Group and the public this winter and will not include I-5 or SR 99/Evergreen Way alignments. The public will be invited to provide comments during a public scoping comment period at that time.
Expanding light rail to Snohomish County is new for many community members and we are trying to reach as many people as possible. Your voice matters and we hope that you stay engaged with this project as it moves forward. Follow us on social media @SoundTransit, subscribe and forward email updates like this to family, friends, neighbors and your community! We are also happy to meet with community groups to provide more information about the project.
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