(New timeline, as reflected on Sound Transit website)
Sound Transit dropped a bombshell during today’s meeting of its board’s System Extension Committee – the opening date for West Seattle Link Extension, long at 2032, is now delayed three years to 2035. Here’s how they summarized it via email late today:
The West Seattle Link Extension is moving forward with an updated project schedule. Under the updated ST3 System Plan, the project remains fully funded and will advance toward construction. The anticipated opening date is now 2035, rather than 2032.
The updated timeline reflects both the cost-saving work completed to make the project affordable and refinements to the construction schedule. Concurrently, the project team continues to advance design and reduce community impacts. These efforts include a new SODO design solution that avoids significant utility relocations on 6th Avenue S., reflecting significant collaboration across Sound Transit, the City of Seattle, Seattle City Light, elected leaders, and community stakeholders.
We know many people have been eagerly anticipating light rail in West Seattle. We’re committed to delivering the project on a realistic timeline the agency can confidently stand behind.
We have more to report from today’s committee meeting and will add that soon.