The Sound Transit Board has identified a preferred alternative for the Ballard Link Extension on March 23, about eight months after the board requested further study and community engagement of the project’s alternatives. The board explained community priorities, regional needs, city of Seattle and agency input all weighed into its decision on the preferred alternative. A final decision on the alignment will be made following conclusion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); the Draft EIS was released in July 2022.
"Today we are closer than ever to realizing a connected regional light-rail network that will serve transit riders and become the template for our region’s future success," said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Through extensive engagement with community members and collaboration with key partners, we have identified a preferred alternative for the Ballard Link Extension that is affordable, accessible and equitable."
The proposed downtown Seattle to Ballard 7.1-mile extension includes nine new stations and a new rail-only tunnel through downtown Seattle. The tunnel is a key component of the proposed extension but would serve Sound Transit’s entire light-rail system.
The preferred alternative includes stations south and north of the Chinatown-International District (CID) and shifts the Midtown Station to the location north of CID. The board also directed the CID 4th Avenue Shallower option be carried forward for additional environmental review.
The board did not modify the previously identified preferred alternative for the Denny Station located on Westlake in the Draft EIS alternative. However, the board directed staff to also carry forward the Denny Station on Terry (i.e., South Lake Union Mix and Match) alternative as part of ongoing environmental review and to further clarify the technical, financial, schedule and risk implications of both alternatives.
Stations at Westlake, South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Smith Cove, Interbay and Ballard were confirmed based on recommendations forwarded from the System Expansion Committee on March 9.
Acknowledging that south downtown would benefit from Union Station activation and Jackson Hub improvements regardless of the location of the CID station, the board directed staff to work with the Seattle, King County and other potential partners to clarify the potential scope and schedule of such improvements, as well as funding and partnership opportunities, and to conduct further community engagement. The board specified the scope of the improvements should extend beyond the CID to the abutting stations and transfer points to improve accessibility.
"The Sound Transit Board vote yesterday on the Ballard Link Extension project represents a major milestone for our city and the entire region," said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. "With this action, we are advancing a transformational transit project that Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved and insist we deliver as soon as possible. This major investment is about more than just transportation – it is also about a demonstration of our One Seattle commitment to creating opportunities, centering equity and creating a connected, sustainable, affordable, resilient neighborhood for every community. I want to thank the wide array of community voices who have been core to this planning process – we look forward to your continued partnership as we build out neighborhood stations."
