Board adopts updated Sound Transit 3 System Plan
On May 28, the Sound Transit Board adopted an updated ST3 System Plan to guide the next phase of transit expansion projects across the region. This action established a sustainable path forward to address an estimated $34.5 billion gap in the agency’s financial plan over the next 20 years and deliver the voter-approved ST3 program.
The updated System Plan will keep projects moving with available funding. The plan also directs the agency to pursue cost savings, additional funding opportunities, and project delivery efficiencies to advance the ST3 program.
What does this mean for the West Seattle Link Extension project?
Under the updated System Plan adopted by the Board, the West Seattle Link Extension project is moving forward with design and construction. W be engaging the community as final design progresses and as we begin early site preparation and property acquisition activities prior to the start of construction.
Project updates reduce costs and community impacts
Over the past 18 months, work on the West Seattle Link Extension project has focused on identifying, evaluating, and implementing a range of measures to reduce the project cost, reduce community impacts, and maintain rider experience on the future Link line.
The Sound Transit Board adopted an updated ST3 System Plan that advances the West Seattle Link Extension with cost-saving design refinements, including the removal of Avalon Station. The next step is confirming these design refinements with the Federal Transit Administration.
notable change to the West Seattle Link Extension is the removal of Avalon Station. Avalon Station reduces project costs and community impacts by allowing more of the route to be in a tunnel, reducing the number of properties needed to construct the project. In total, we identified over $2 billion in cost savings with a refined alignment that includes stations at SODO, Delridge, and Alaska Junction. In the coming months we will work to confirm these design refinements with the Federal Transit Administration.
A rendering of the future light rail bridge crossing the Duwamish Waterway, looking west toward West Seattle. The bridge will carry Link light rail trains between SODO and West Seattle.
What’s next for the WSLE?
As the project moves through final design, Sound Transit will continue engaging with communities on station design and access projects, transit-oriented development and public art, and construction planning.
Later this year, crews will begin the project's first early work activity on the south end of Harbor Island, drilling a test bridge shaft approximately 10 feet wide and 250 feet deep to better understand ground conditions for the future light rail bridge over the Duwamish River. This important milestone provides key information needed to finalize the bridge design and reflects continued momentum as the project advances through final design and moves closer to construction.
We will continue to confirm the properties for which acquisitions are needed to deliver light rail to West Seattle, which will happen in phases based on construction needs.
We will reach out directly to affected property owners, tenants, and businesses as more information becomes available. We are committed to working closely with affected residents and businesses throughout the process to provide individualized support, relocation assistance, and benefits.
Learn more and connect with our team at community events this summer
This summer, you can find our team at informational booths at community events across the region. These events give you an opportunity to connect with project staff, learn more about the project, ask questions, and share your feedback.
We invite you to stop by and visit us at one of the following events:
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June 20-21: Burien Strawberry Festival
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