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Sound Transit West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions


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#31 CNJRoss

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Posted 01 August 2022 - 05:22 PM

Sound Transit news release

Sound Transit Board confirms preferred alternative for West Seattle Link Extension, requests further study of Ballard alternatives  

 

Identification of Ballard Link Extension preferred alternative deferred to early 2023 pending further studies and community engagement

 
July 28, 2022

 

The Sound Transit Board today identified preferred light rail route and station locations for the West Seattle Link Extension and directed staff to conduct further studies and community engagement, primarily on the Ballard Link Extension.

 

The Board weighed community priorities, regional needs, input from agencies and the City of Seattle, as well as analysis in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in its action. Before confirming or modifying the Preferred Alternative for the Ballard Link Extension, the Board directed further study and engagement in certain areas from the Chinatown-International District through Downtown, Interbay and Ballard.

 

"We recognize the impact this project will have on the Chinatown-International District, and we will continue our conversations with community members to gather information and fully understand their concerns," said Sound Transit Board Chair and University Place Council Member Kent Keel. "At the same time, moving forward with a preferred alternative for West Seattle allows us to continue making progress on light rail expansions that will provide a hub for the entire region."

 

"By confirming West Seattle extension’s light rail route, we’ve made major progress, while also taking the necessary time to study and engage in areas that require further work. This approach allows us to spend more time listening to the needs of the community, particularly in the Chinatown-International District, while exploring additional solutions as we continue to move the project forward where we can," Sound Transit System Expansion Committee Chair and King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci said. "The challenge from here will be to make sure the agency engages openly and effectively with community members, and fully explores concepts requested by the community and our agency partners before confirming the preferred alternative for the CID, Seattle Center and other parts of the Ballard Link Extension."

 

"WSBLE is one of the largest and most transformative infrastructure projects in Seattle's history, and we are excited to be a partner in moving this project forward to deliver fast, reliable, accessible light rail. We are committed to building the best project for the Chinatown-International District, Ballard, Downtown, South Lake Union, West Seattle - and every neighborhood along the project alignment," said Bruce Harrell, Sound Transit Board member and Mayor of Seattle. "Thank you to the countless community members and stakeholders who helped inform today's Board action."

 

"Today Sound Transit takes a major step in the process to deliver the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension. I want to thank members of the public, community leaders, my fellow Board Members, and Sound Transit staff for your leadership and thoughtful engagement. Through this collaborative process the Board has identified key refinement concepts, and areas for further study and refinement in response to feedback from community and key partners. Today’s Board action moves us closer to realizing the promise of a world-class high-capacity transit system this region deserves," said Sound Transit Board member and King County Executive Dow Constantine.

 

In the West Seattle extension, the Board identified the Preferred Alternative for the West Seattle Link Extension as the Medium Tunnel 41st Avenue Station alternative in the West Seattle Junction segment, the Andover Street Station Lower Height alternative in the Delridge segment, the South Crossing alternative in the Duwamish Segment, and the At-Grade Alternative Staggered Station Configuration in the SODO segment. The Board will also consider the At-Grade South Station Option as a possible Preferred Alternative with future endorsement contingent on resolving with partner agencies federal property acquisition requirements and project funding needs in a manner that does not impact the West Seattle Link Extension schedule. A report for Board consideration is due no later than September 2022.

 

The Board also directed further studies in the West Seattle extension to enhance station access, prioritize an integrated and well-designed transfer experience from buses to light rail, and address concerns over potential displacements of organizations serving low-income and communities of color and determine potential third-party funding needs. Studies will include exploring a station entrance at 42nd at the Alaska Junction station, opportunities to provide access north and south of Andover Street at the Delridge station, enhancing access from the platform to South Lander Street at the SODO station and considering eliminating the Avalon Station in the West Seattle Junction segment.

 

For the Ballard Link Extension, the Board directed further study before confirming or modifying the preferred alternative. The Board requested further study to recognize past harms, minimize displacements and potential loss of cultural identity; conduct additional engagement between community and agency partners; support investment in public spaces; improve experience for riders; minimize construction impacts and risks; and determine potential third-party funding needs. Specifically, further study and engagement will include concepts requested by community and agency partners in the Chinatown-International District segment; a number of additional studies in the downtown segment including connecting Denny/Terry station to SLU/Harrison station and connecting SLU/Harrison station to Seattle Center/Mercer station; and additional studies in the South Interbay and Ballard segments.

 

Staff will provide updates to the Board on progress in November 2022 and February 2023, after which the Board may confirm or modify the preferred alternative for the Ballard extension.

 

Detailed information on the preferred alternative for West Seattle and areas for further study is included in the Board motion at https://www.soundtra...on M2022-57.pdf.

 

Information about the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions project is at www.wsblink.participate.online and https://www.soundtra...link-extensions.

 

 



#32 CNJRoss

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Posted 01 April 2023 - 04:41 PM

Sound Transit news release

Sound Transit Board identifies preferred alternative for Ballard Link Extension

 
Directs further collaboration for Union Station activation and Jackson Hub improvements
 
March 24, 2023

 

On March 23, 2023, the Sound Transit Board identified a preferred alternative for the light rail route and station locations for the Ballard Link Extension. The proposed 7.1-mile extension includes nine new stations from downtown Seattle to Ballard, including a new rail-only tunnel through downtown Seattle. 
 
The Board weighed community priorities, regional needs, input from agencies and the City of Seattle, analysis of alternatives included in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and results of further studies and engagement directed by the Board in July 2022. A final decision on the project to be built will not occur until after environmental review is completed and the Final EIS is published.

 

"Today we are closer than ever to realizing a connected regional light rail network that will serve transit riders and become the template for our region’s future success," said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Through extensive engagement with community members and collaboration with key partners we have identified a preferred alternative for the Ballard Link Extension that is affordable, accessible and equitable."

 

"The Sound Transit Board vote yesterday on the Ballard Link Extension project represents a major milestone for our city and the entire region," said Mayor Bruce Harrell. "With this action, we are advancing a transformational transit project that Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved and insist we deliver as soon as possible. This major investment is about more than just transportation – it is also about a demonstration of our One Seattle commitment to creating opportunities, centering equity, and creating a connected, sustainable, affordable, resilient neighborhood for every community. I want to thank the wide array of community voices who have been core to this planning process – we look forward to your continued partnership as we build out neighborhood stations."

 

The preferred alternative includes stations South and North of the CID and shifts the Midtown Station to the location North of CID. The Board also directed that the CID 4th Avenue Shallower option be carried forward for additional environmental review.

 

The Board did not modify the previously identified preferred alternative for the Denny Station located on Westlake in the Draft EIS alternative. However, the Board directed staff to also carry forward the Denny Station on Terry (i.e., South Lake Union Mix and Match) alternative as part of ongoing environmental review and to further clarify the technical, financial, schedule and risk implications of both alternatives. 

 

Stations at Westlake, South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Smith Cove, Interbay and Ballard were confirmed based on recommendations forwarded from the System Expansion Committee on March 9. 
 
Acknowledging that south downtown would benefit from Union Station activation and Jackson Hub improvements regardless of the location of the CID station, the Board directed staff to work with the City of Seattle, King County, and other potential partners to clarify the potential scope and schedule of such improvements as well as funding and partnership opportunities; and to conduct further community engagement. The Board specified that the scope of the improvements should extend beyond the CID to the abutting stations and transfer points to improve accessibility.

 

Details of the Board action on the Ballard Link Extension are included in Motion M2023-18
 
Information about the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions projects is at www.wsblink.participate.online and https://www.soundtra...link-extensions.

 

 



#33 KevinKorell

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Posted 02 September 2023 - 10:40 PM

West Seattle Blog,  9/1/23:

 


 

  West Seattle light-rail skeptics to launch ‘Rethink the Link’ campaign with community walk    

 

 

Seven years after voters approved ST3, four years before Sound Transit expects to start building the West Seattle light rail line, some of your neighbors want to reconsider it. They say we need more transit – but not necessarily this kind of transit. They’re launching what they call Rethink the Link, with a community walk in two weeks...

 

 

Read



Kevin Korell


OTOL Board Leader


Lakewood, NJ


#34 CNJRoss

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Posted 04 October 2023 - 04:06 PM

10/3/23

 

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Project update
 
 

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Join us in October at the West Seattle Link Extension Station Planning Forum.

 
Join us: West Seattle Link Extension Station Planning Forum

 

Please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 25 to see updated designs for future light rail stations in West Seattle and SODO and share your ideas and feedback.

 

In the summer of 2022, the Sound Transit Board identified a preferred alternative for the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE). The project team has worked to design the four proposed stations along the alignment, taking into account the community’s input since the start of the project in 2018. This fall, we will share our station design progress and gather community feedback on concepts for access, urban design, and transit-oriented development at the station. Your input will help us advance the design for station areas in collaboration with the City of Seattle and other agency partners.

In early 2024, we will report on our findings and share how your input influenced the design of the stations in West Seattle and SODO. Stay tuned! More information will be shared later in the fall.

 

Save-the-date:

  • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 25
  • Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Avenue SW

 

If you can’t join us in-person, we will be hosting an online survey on our online open house. We will provide notice through another project update email when the survey is live.

 

Additionally, we are continuing our ongoing environmental review process. The WSLE Final EIS is expected to be published in late spring or summer of 2024. Following the WSLE Final EIS publication, the Sound Transit Board will select the final project to be built, and the Federal Transit Administration will issue a Record of Decision. For more information about the next steps in project development please read our latest Platform blog post.

 

Stay current with the West Seattle Link and Ballard Link Extensions projects here.

按此了解有關West Seattle LinkBallard Link擴展項目的最新資訊。

获取有关West Seattle LinkBallard Link扩展项目的最新消息。

Tìm hiểu về các Dự án Mở Rộng Tuyến West Seattle Link và Ballard Link trên trang web dự án của chúng tôi.

Manténgase informado sobre los Proyectos de extensiones de Link a West Seattle y Ballard aquí.

 

Learn more about WSLE

 
Ballard Link Extension Timeline Updates
 

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An update on Sound Transit’s Ballard Link Extension environmental review timeline.

 

Since the Sound Transit Board identified preferred alternatives for the Ballard Link Extension (BLE) during the March 2023 and July 2023 board meetings, we thought it would be a good idea to provide an update about the project. Our new Platform blog post has updates about the new BLE Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and overall project timeline.

 

Here are some highlights:

  • We are still coordinating with our federal partners on the timeline, but we expect the new BLE Draft EIS will be published in late 2024.
  • The new BLE Draft EIS publication will include a comment period. This will build upon, and incorporate, the existing work to date on the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension Draft EIS. The draft will include all previous scoping comments, public outreach and feedback and environmental analysis.
  • The Sound Transit Board will select the final project to be built, after the Final BLE Draft EIS is published. We are anticipating this in 2026.

 

Stay current with the West Seattle Link and Ballard Link Extensions projects here.
按此
了解有關West Seattle LinkBallard Link擴展項目的最新資訊。
获取有关West Seattle LinkBallard Link扩展项目的最新消息。
Tìm hiểu về các Dự án Mở Rộng Tuyến West Seattle Link và Ballard Link trên trang web dự án của chúng tôi.
Manténgase informado sobre los Proyectos de extensiones de Link a West Seattle y Ballard aquí
.

 

Read more on the Platform

 



#35 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 October 2023 - 07:23 PM

10/18/23

 

 

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Project update

 
 

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 Reminder: West Seattle Link Extension Station Planning Forum 

 

As a reminder, please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 25 to see updated designs for future light rail stations in West Seattle and SODO and share your ideas and feedback.

 

Join us!

Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation and translated materials will be available, as well as refreshments and activities for children.

 

At the Station Planning Forum, we will discuss station design progress and gather community feedback on access, urban design, and transit-oriented development at West Seattle Link Extension station locations. Your input will help us collaborate with the City of Seattle and other partners to advance the design of these station areas.

 

The event and online open house will provide more details about the preferred alternative station locations. We will continue to study all the station locations analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement as part of the Final EIS, expected to be published in mid-2024. The preferred alternative for these station locations is not a definite decision or obligation, but it shows the project's direction. The Sound Transit Board will make the final decision on the project once the Final EIS is published.

 

If you can’t join us in-person, please visit our online open house on Oct. 25 to view the latest information and take our survey! Survey responses will be due by mid-December

  • Stay current with the West Seattle Link and Ballard Link Extensions projects here
  • 按此了解有關West Seattle LinkBallard Link擴展項目的最新資訊
  • 获取有West Seattle LinkBallard Link扩展项目的最新消
  • Tìm hiểu về các Dự án Mở Rộng Tuyến West Seattle Link Ballard Link trên trang web dự án của chúng tôi.
  • Manténgase informado sobre los Proyectos de extensiones de Link a West Seattle y Ballard aquí.

 

Learn more about WSLE

 



#36 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 December 2023 - 06:12 PM

12/18/23

 

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email-banner-west-seattle-link_original.

 
 

Project update

 
 

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Take our WSLE station planning survey through Dec. 20!

 

December 20 is the last day to participate in our online survey to provide input on the West Seattle Link Extension station design. Thank you to those that have attended our in-person engagement opportunities and completed the survey. 

 

We are gathering community feedback on ways Sound Transit, the City of Seattle, and other agencies can make trips to and from stations safer and more convenient. Additionally, your insight about potential development around the stations is appreciated. All feedback gathered will help inform our ongoing station design process.  

 

If you would like to learn more about station planning, visit our online open house and reference our station planning materials. The survey is also translated into several languages including Vietnamese and Spanish

 

Mark your calendars for more engagement opportunities in early 2024! We plan to share a feedback summary collected from both in-person and online engagement with you.

 

Take our survey

 

 

Stay up to date

 

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