Sound Transit selects Tacoma Link alignment; confirms Rogoff as CEO
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Sound Transit
The Sound Transit Board of Directors have selected the route, stations and expanded operation and maintenance facility for the Tacoma Link Expansion. When built, the 2.4-mile extension will serve riders traveling from the Theater District to the Stadium and Hilltop neighborhoods.
“By extending light rail to the Stadium Way and Hilltop districts, more people will have better access to jobs, schools and everyday needs,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We’ll also work with residents to make sure that transit supports and enhances the unique character of their communities.”
“Today’s board action enables us to complete project design and move forward with this long-awaited expansion,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “Thanks to all the residents, businesses and community leaders for supporting more transit options that will benefit our neighborhoods, local businesses and the environment.”
The Tacoma Link Expansion will run primarily in-street along Stadium Way, North 1st Street, Division Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr., Way. It will include one relocated station in the Theater District and six new stations: Stadium Way and South 4th Street, the Stadium District, Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Division Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Way and 6th Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Way and South 11th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way and South 19th Street. The expansion also includes an expanded Tacoma Operations and Maintenance Facility at 824 E. 25th St. next to the existing maintenance facility.
During the next two years, staff will advance engineering work on the expansion. The preliminary cost estimate of approximately $175 million in year-of-expenditure dollars will also be refined. Assuming all project funding is secured, construction would begin in 2018.
To date, the city has secured $33 million in federal and state grants toward the expansion and has committed to identifying an additional $7 million to complete its $40-million contribution to the project.
The existing 1.6-mile light-rail line serves six stations between the Theater District and the Tacoma Dome. Trains run every 12 minutes and provide nearly a million rides per year.
In other Sound Transit news, the board unanimously selected former Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff as the agency’s new chief executive officer.
“Peter Rogoff will bring the experience this region needs to expand rail and bus service for our fast-growing cities,” said Constantine. “Mobility is our linchpin for a prosperous and sustainable future. Today, we welcome one of America’s most seasoned transportation leaders.”
Rogoff will start in January following board confirmation of contract details in December.
Current Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl, who has been on medical leave, will retire in March 2016 following the opening of the University Link light-rail line. Deputy CEO Mike Harbour, who did not apply for the CEO position, will continue to serve as the agency’s acting CEO until Rogoff’s arrival.
