Sound Transit Approves West Seattle Light Rail Extension

Sound Transit has approved the final route and station locations for the West Seattle Link extension, marking a significant step toward the project's construction, which is slated to begin in 2027 and take about five years. The extension will cover 4.1 miles and include four new stations at SODO, Delridge, Avalon, and the Alaska Junction, reducing travel times between Alaska Junction and Westlake stations by 50%, to approximately 16 minutes during peak hours. However, the project's cost has escalated to between $6.7 and $7.1 billion, prompting discussions on financial measures to address the increase. The decision allows the project to advance into the final design phase, with a federal environmental review expected to conclude by late 2024. Sound Transit officials emphasized the importance of the extension for improving transit reliability and capacity, especially in light of the West Seattle Bridge's frequent congestion. The initiative, part of the ST3 plan approved by voters in 2016, aims to enhance connectivity and support neighborhood redevelopment, including affordable housing.