Sound Transit issues environmental impact study for Lynnwood light-rail extension

Last week, Sound Transit released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Lynwood Link light-rail extension, kicking off a public comment period on the routes and station alternatives.

Sound Transit officials project that the 8.5-mile extension, which is scheduled to open in 2023, will accommodate 60,000 to 70,000 riders each weekday. Lynnwood Link will connect to the light-rail segment currently under construction between Husky Stadium and Northgate. By 2023, Sound Transit also plans to open an eastward extension to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond's Overlake area, and a southward extension to the Kent/DesMoines area.

By 2030, Lynwood Link is expected to log more than 80 million riders annually, Sound Transit officials believe.

The DEIS outlines 72 alignment combinations with six potential stations serving North Seattle, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. It examines benefits and impacts associated with running at grade along the I-5 corridor, on elevated trackway, or in a trench section through portions of the alignment. Project cost estimates range from $1.2 billion to $1.7 billion.

Sound Transit will host four public meetings in August to discuss the alternatives and receive input from the public.
 
The DEIS public comment period closes Sept. 23; the Sound Transit board plans to identify a preferred alternative later this year. Sound Transit staff then will complete the final environmental impact statement, which will be published in 2014. The board could make a decision on stations and alignment in early 2015, Sound Transit officials said.