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Because current contracts for the Central Link light-rail system are about 5 percent lower than estimates, Sound Transit is considering whether to build an additional station on the new line near Seattle's Safeco Field.

The proposed $3.7 million station — which would be the second Central Link facility to serve the city's football and baseball stadiums — would be used by riders attending games, Sound Transit officials believe.

"If the board decides this station should be built, now is the time to do it," said Sound Transit Board Chairman John Ladenburg in a prepared statement. "It will cost less and we can provide additional service to the stadiums much sooner."

In 2001, Sound Transit's board postponed construction of a second station near the stadiums. Now, board members will consider re-adding it to the project at a meeting to be held next month. Federal Transit Administration officials believe the station would provide riders another option to make connections with other light-rail trains and buses.

Scheduled to open in 2009, Central Link is projected to average more than 42,500 riders daily.