Project Overview
What is the project?
The West Seattle and Ballard Extensions are part of the regional ST3 package that voters approved funding for in November 2016. These two separate light rail extensions will provide fast, reliable light rail connections to residential and job centers.
West Seattle to downtown
- Adds 4.7 miles of light rail service from downtown Seattle to West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.
- Includes 5 stations between the Stadium area and Alaska Junction.
Ballard to downtown
- Adds 7.1 miles of light rail service from downtown Seattle to Ballard's Market Street area, including a new downtown Seattle rail-only tunnel.
- Includes 9 stations between International District/Chinatown and Market Street.
Project timeline and history
Alternatives screening
System expansion
Sound Transit system expansion will:
- Build a 116-mile light rail network extending from Everett to Tacoma, and from Seattle neighborhoods to Redmond and Issaquah.
- Establish Bus Rapid Transit to the north, east and south of Lake Washington.
- Expand Sounder south line capacity and service, adding two new stations.
- Improve access and expand parking at stations.
Funding
The system plan is paid for with a combination of voter approved local taxes, federal grants, farebox revenues, borrowed funds and interest revenues.
Project Partners
To meet the challenge of delivering projects as quickly as possible, Sound Transit developed a System Expansion Implementation Plan that includes working with project partners, local jurisdictions, elected officials, community members and the public.
The following groups will help provide strategic input throughout project development:
Visit the project website to learn more about our project partners.