Mayor Bruce Harrell, who also serves as a member of the Sound Transit Board, has unveiled a new Executive Order aimed at enhancing the coordination of Seattle’s efforts to expedite the safe and efficient delivery of light rail services to West Seattle and Ballard. This initiative is part of the voter-approved Sound Transit (ST) 3 project, which stands as one of the most significant infrastructure endeavors in Seattle’s history and represents the largest transit expansion currently taking place in the United States.
The Sound Transit (ST) 3 project is a significant undertaking designed to enhance public transportation in the Seattle region. The initiative focuses on expanding the light rail system, which plays a critical role in connecting various neighborhoods, improving access to jobs, housing, and essential services. This extension will connect Downtown Seattle to the Ballard neighborhood, a vital area known for its cultural and economic significance. With nine new stations and a second transit tunnel, this segment aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide residents with a reliable transportation option. The anticipated completion by 2039 highlights the long-term benefits of investing in public transit infrastructure.
The Sound Transit Program has been overseen by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), which employs approximately 20 full-time staff members across various departments, along with additional part-time assistance. The newly established Office of Civic and Waterfront Projects & Sound Transit will collaborate closely with SDOT to improve station access, manage street usage during construction, and implement further enhancements.
“Sound Transit represents a crucial investment in our future, but we cannot afford to wait generations for its completion. This order is designed to ensure that the City is doing everything possible to expedite light rail delivery, thereby enhancing regional mobility and increasing access to housing, jobs, and other vital destinations for Seattle and the broader region,” stated Mayor Harrell. “Director Brady and the new Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects & Sound Transit possess the expertise and creativity needed to deliver this significant transit expansion swiftly and safely. A successful Sound Transit expansion is essential for creating a more connected and sustainable One Seattle, and this Executive Order is a step toward realizing that vision.”
The Ballard Link Extension will introduce 7.7 miles of light rail connecting Downtown Seattle to Ballard, featuring nine new stations, a second downtown transit tunnel, and a crossing over Salmon Bay, with an anticipated completion date of 2039. Meanwhile, the West Seattle Link Extension will extend 4.1 miles of light rail from Downtown Seattle to West Seattle, including four new stations and a bridge over the Duwamish River, expected to be completed by 2032. Additionally, an infill station at South Graham Street will be added to the existing 1-Line, projected to open by 2031.
