Sound Transit seeks public input on two proposed light-rail extensions

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are seeking public comments on route and station alternatives for the planned West Seattle and Ballard Link light-rail extensions.

The feedback will help Sound Transit officials determine which alternatives to study in an environmental impact statement (EIS), which would be the next phase of project development. In May, the agency's board expects to identify a preferred alternative and other alternatives to study in a draft EIS.

Public comments will be accepted via mail, email or phone. In addition, Sound Transit plans to hold open houses Feb. 27-28 and March 7, and maintain an online open house until March 18.

To be completed in 2030 and 2035, respectively, the West Seattle and Ballard extensions will provide fast, reliable light-rail connections to dense residential and job centers, Sound Transit officials said in a press release. The projects also would include a new tunnel in downtown Seattle to help speed operations as light rail expands to Northgate, Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, Federal Way, Tacoma, Everett and other communities in Washington.
 
After the agency's board identifies the alternatives to evaluate in the DEIS, the project will advance to the final EIS phase, which is expected to be completed in 2022. The board then will select the project to pursue and seek a record of decision from the FTA.