West Seattle Link Extension project update
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Visit our detailed online open house to learn more and stay current with the West Seattle Link Extension project progress.
Overview
The West Seattle Link Extension will provide fast, reliable light rail connections to dense residential and job centers in the SODO, Delridge, and West Seattle neighborhoods. The West Seattle Link Extension is part of the regional transit system expansion approved by voters in November 2016.
- West Seattle Link Extension
- Adds 4.1 miles of light rail service from SODO to West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.
- Includes four new stations from SODO to Alaska Junction.
- Start of service scheduled for 2032.
Current project status
The West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) is in the environmental review phase. After publishing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2022 and a 90-day comment period, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Sound Transit have published the Final EIS in September 2024. In October 2024, the Sound Transit Board selected the Final EIS preferred alternative as the project to be built for WSLE. This step is key to completing the environmental review phase and allowing the project to proceed into design. This decision was based on years of technical analysis and community feedback.
We anticipate the FTA to issue a Record of Decision in early 2025 under the National Environmental Policy Act. With that, the project will begin final design and develop and implement a workplan to improve the agency’s financial situation and move WSLE through design to inform a financially sound project to be baselined.
What can I expect as a project neighbor?
- Visit the project’s Online Open House to learn more about the Final EIS and opportunities to share feedback. If you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting to learn more, contact the project team at westseattlelink@soundtransit.org.
- Where to learn more as a property owner or tenant: If you are a resident, business, or property owner near a potential WSLE route or station alternative, you can learn more about the property acquisition and relocation process on the Online Open House’s Property Owner page.