Sound Transit advances West Seattle and Ballard light rail projects

The Sound Transit Board has authorized the acquisition of 64 real estate parcels to facilitate the West Seattle Link Extension. This measure, passed via Resolution R2026-23, allows the agency to acquire full property titles, partial interests, and legal easements through negotiated purchases or eminent domain. The project aims to connect SODO to the Alaska Junction via a 3.9-mile corridor featuring three new stations.

The acquisitions include three full property purchases—one residential townhome and two commercial properties—one partial industrial site acquisition, and 60 easements. These easements cover subsurface tunneling rights, overhead aerial access, and temporary construction access across residential, commercial, and industrial lands, including parcels managed by the Port of Seattle and BNSF Railway.

In a separate community forum regarding the Ballard Link Extension (BLE), Sound Transit officials discussed strategies to reduce project costs. To meet a 2042 delivery goal, the agency seeks to identify $10 billion in savings. Potential cost-reduction measures include seeking a higher debt allowance from the state and adjusting station designs, such as a smaller Seattle Center station. Residents raised concerns regarding project prioritization and the potential removal of planned stations.