Sound Transit has received a record of decision from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE), signifying the completion of the project’s environmental review process and allowing it to advance into the design phase.
It was approved by voters in 2016 under the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) package, has been in the planning stage since 2017. The final alignment was selected by the Sound Transit Board in October 2024.
The 6.59 km extension will bring light rail service from SODO to the Alaska Junction in West Seattle, adding new stations in the Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction areas. Once operational, the extension is projected to serve over 24,000 daily passengers and will enhance connections between light rail and bus services, improving the overall transfer experience for passengers.
The next phase of the project focuses on detailed engineering and design work. Sound Transit will be refining station layouts, track placement, and construction plans while also identifying ways to keep the project financially sustainable and on schedule.