The Sound Transit Board of Directors is scheduled to meet Thursday, May 28 at 1:30 PM to discuss and vote on a proposal that could significantly delay the Ballard Link Extension beyond Seattle Center.
Under the proposal currently being considered, funding would continue for light rail from West Seattle to Seattle Center, while the segment connecting Seattle Center to Ballard would be postponed with no construction funding currently identified.
Several amendments are expected to be introduced ahead of the vote, including proposals related to prioritizing Ballard service, exploring additional financing tools, and requiring clearer timelines for the project’s future.
The Ballard Link Extension was originally approved by voters as part of Sound Transit 3 (ST3) in 2016 and has been projected to serve up to 148,000 daily riders.
Community members interested in following the discussion or providing public comment can find additional information through Sound Transit.
Resources
Ballard Link Extension project page: https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/ballard-link-extension
Sound Transit Board information: https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/board-directors
Public comment information: https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/board-directors/public-comment