Tacoma Dome Link Extension year in review
As we begin the new year, we want to share a recap of 2025’s major milestones, what we heard from community members, and what’s ahead for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension (TDLE) project. Thank you for being involved!
2025 milestones
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) comment period
We kicked off the year with the Draft EIS comment period, which ran from Dec. 13, 2024, to Feb. 10, 2025. Community members shared input on route and station alternatives, potential impacts, and ways to improve access and station design during in-person and online public meetings. We reviewed and summarized these comments in a public engagement report and the comment summary report. The Sound Transit Board considered the Draft EIS analysis and comments received to help inform their action to identify the Preferred Alternative.
Sound Transit Board identified a Preferred Alternative
On June 26, the Sound Transit Board of Directors identified a Preferred Alternative for TDLE. This milestone reflects community input, coordination with partner agencies and jurisdictions, engagement with Tribal Nations, and analysis in the Draft EIS, among other factors.
The Preferred Alternative includes:
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In South Federal Way/Milton:
- The SR 99-West Alternative with the design refinement to run on the east side of SR 99 in Milton, with a South Federal Way station on the south side of South 352nd Street.
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In Fife:
- The Fife I-5 Alternative and Fife Station in the vicinity of 15th Street East and 59th Avenue East.
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In Tacoma:
- The Portland Avenue Station.
- The route and Tacoma Dome Station in the "Tacoma Close-to-Sounder" location.
A map highlighting the Preferred Alternative in green.
Throughout 2025, the TDLE team connected with communities, property owners, and partner agencies across the corridor.
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Responded to more than 1,230 emails, calls, and other messages from community members.
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Held briefings and site visits with businesses, property owners, and organizations.
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Staffed booths at 11 fairs and festivals, engaging with more than 1,700 community members to discuss project updates, answer questions, encourage sign-ups for ongoing updates, and listen to community feedback.
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Continued coordination with local jurisdictions on station area planning and design refinements.
This year, Sound Transit will continue advancing project design and fieldwork in preparation for the Final EIS. We will share details about upcoming station planning engagement activities in early 2026.
Look for future project updates and encourage your friends, family, and community members to subscribe.
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