Sound Transit Considers Adding Light Rail Station At Royal Brougham

The Sound Transit Board has begun looking at building an additional Central Link light rail station in Seattle’s SODO area. With light rail now one year into construction and contracts coming in below estimates, the Board is considering adding a station just east of Safeco Field at South Royal Brougham Way. Along with the International District Station, this additional station would see particularly high use by riders traveling to baseball and football games and exhibitions. “If the Board decides this station should be built, now is the time to do it,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg. “It will cost less and we can provide additional service to the stadiums much sooner.” In 2001 the Sound Transit Board deferred construction of the Royal Brougham station. Now, however, all but one of Central Link’s major construction contracts has been awarded. Bids to date have come in 5 percent lower than Sound Transit’s estimates. In SODO, Kiewit Pacific Company’s bids came in 15 percent below engineers’ estimates. “This is encouraging news for Seattle’s long-frustrated commuters and for the region’s sports fans,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. “I’ll continue to work with fellow board members to achieve this enhancement of light rail service for Seattle and the region. Step by step, we are building the region’s 21st Century transportation system.” The Federal Transit Administration recently commented to Sound Transit that while increasing ridership, completing the station would also provide enhanced options for connections between light rail trains and buses. The total cost of completing the station is estimated at $3.7 million. The possible addition received initial review today by the Central Link Oversight Committee. In the coming weeks it will be considered by the Sound Transit Board. The Central Link initial segment is scheduled to open in 2009 and by 2020 is projected to carry more than 42,500 riders daily.