Comment period open for Ballard light rail alignment options

Meghan Walker Ballard

The public can now comment on Sound Transit’s plans to extend light rail service into Ballard.

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension project last month and opened the 90-day comment period at the end of January. The public will be able to comment on the overall analysis and share thoughts on routes and station alternatives through April 28, 2022.

The Ballard Link Extension would be 7.1 miles from Downtown Seattle to Ballard’s NW Market St area and include 3.3-mile rail-only tunnel from Chinatown-International District to South Lake Union and Seattle Center/Uptown. Stations would serve Chinatown-International District, Midtown, Westlake, Denny, South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Smith Cove, Interbay, and Ballard.

The West Seattle portion would be 4.7 miles and include stations at SODO,Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction.

Sound Transit expects the Ballard extension will be completed by 2037 at the earliest; the West Seattle portion is expected by 2032.

Sound Transit has scheduled several upcoming virtual public meetings to discuss the project plans, including the following:

  • Tuesday, March 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Interbay/Ballard focused)
  • Tuesday, March 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Downtown focused)
  • Thursday, March 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (CID/SODO focused)
  • Wednesday, March 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (West Seattle focused)

An in-person open house is scheduled for Thursday, March 17 at Union Station from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., pending public health guidance.

You can comment on the EIS via email to WSBLEDEIScomments@soundtransit.org or by voicemail at 800-471-0879. 

Written comments can be mailed to: WSBLE Draft Environmental Impact Statement Comments, c/o Lauren Swift, Sound Transit, 401 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104.

The Sound Transit Board will consider all comments from the public, agencies, and from Tribes before confirming or modifying the preferred alternative later this year.

Photo: Sound Transit