Sound Transit launches comment period for Draft EIS for extending light rail to West Seattle and Ballard

Sound Transit

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions project, kicking off a 90-day comment period.

Members of the public can comment on the Draft EIS analysis and share their thoughts on routes and station alternatives through April 28.  

The Draft EIS, prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), evaluates potential impacts and benefits of project alternatives to inform the public, Tribes, government agencies and decision makers. 

The West Seattle Link Extension would be about 4.7 miles and includes stations at SODO, Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction. The Ballard Link Extension would be about 7.1 miles from Downtown Seattle to Ballard’s Northwest Market Street area and includes a new 3.3-mile rail-only tunnel from Chinatown-International District to South Lake Union and SeattleCenter/Uptown. Stations would serve Chinatown-International District, Midtown, Westlake, Denny, South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Smith Cove, Interbay, and Ballard. 

Members of the public are invited to attend an online open house at https://wsblink.participate.online, where they can review alternatives and station options, and submit formal responses. People can also provide feedback by phone, by mail, by email, or at upcoming virtual, and possible in-person, public meetings.

For more information about the meeting schedule, please visit the Sound Transit website.

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