Sound Transit reaches 30% design milestone for West Seattle Link Extension

Sound Transit has reached a 30% design milestone for the West Seattle Link Extension, a project aimed at integrating the 3 Line into the regional light rail network. To mark this progress, the agency released an animated 3D flyover virtual tour that visualizes the planned alignment from a reconstructed station in SODO to the Alaska Junction Station.

The project, which is targeted to open in 2035, is expected to significantly reduce travel times between Alaska Junction and Westlake from approximately 30 minutes to 16 minutes. The digital renderings incorporate geotechnical data collected through field research to inform tunnel design and track alignments.

These 3D models are being used by various design teams—including those focused on architecture, sustainability, accessibility, and construction—to collaborate with partners such as the City of Seattle. The extension will feature views of the Duwamish River and Mount Rainier as it travels alongside the West Seattle Bridge.