Sound Transit selects final West Seattle Link extension route, stations

Sound Transit's board has selected the route and station locations for the West Seattle Link extension, an action that authorizes the project to move forward into the final design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

The board also established the project definition for the record of decision (ROD) under federal environmental law. When the ROD is issued, the federal environmental review process will be completed, and the project can proceed. That milestone is expected in late 2024, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

The project will extend light rail 4.1 miles and will include four new stations — at SODO, Delridge, Avalon and the Alaska Junction — to provide fast, reliable light-rail connections in the SODO, Delridge and West Seattle neighborhoods. 

The final alignment selected by the board is the preferred alternative in the final environmental impact statement (FEIS):
•West Seattle Junction segment: Medium Tunnel 41st Avenue Station West Entrance Station Option;

• Delridge segment: Andover Street Station Lower Height South Alignment Option;

• Duwamish Segment: South Crossing Alternative; and

• SODO segment: At-Grade Lander Access Station Option.

In conjunction with publication of the FEIS in September, Sound Transit updated the cost estimate for the West Seattle Link Extension to between $6.7 billion and $7.1 billion. In response to this significant increase, the board directed the agency to develop a plan to improve the agency’s financial situation, address cost pressures and prepare the projects for construction.