Sound Transit Advances West Seattle Link to Final Design Stage

Sound Transit is pushing the West Seattle Link Extension closer to construction with a significant financial commitment and the authorization of key contracts. The Sound Transit Board of Directors recently approved a $341 million contract with Jacobs Engineering, intended to advance the West Seattle Link project into its final design phase. This move follows a board vote last month to rebalance the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan, which had left the timelines for several projects uncertain.

In addition to the design contract, a separate $48.7 million joint contract has been awarded to Mott MacDonald and WSP (operating as Connect Seattle Partners). This contract will cover continued project management for both the West Seattle Link and Ballard Link projects. These approvals represent a substantial budget amendment, with the West Seattle Link seeing an increase of $406.8 million and the Ballard Link receiving an additional $16.3 million.

Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers highlighted the significance of these approvals, stating, “These are among the first steps we’re taking following the adoption of our updated plan. They demonstrate our commitment to maintaining momentum, delivering on our original ST3 vision. We’re moving forward with urgency.”

Key facts
| Project | Budget Amendment | Design Progress |
| :———————— | :————— | :————– |
| West Seattle Link Extension | $406.8 million | 30% complete |
| Ballard Link Extension | $16.3 million | 15% complete |

Moving West Seattle Link Forward

The West Seattle Link Extension’s progression was a central point in the board’s May 28 decision to adjust construction timelines for other major projects due to a projected $34.5 billion shortfall through the mid-2040s. Sound Transit officials emphasized the need to keep West Seattle Link moving, particularly as it is the only Sound Transit project currently holding federal approval. This federal approval is seen as critical for securing future funding, with agency leadership confirming that groundbreaking is unlikely without a full funding grant agreement. The agency is reportedly awaiting potential White House approval for new transit grants.

Despite the agency still needing to secure approximately $7-$9 billion for the northernmost stations of the Ballard Link, officials maintain that progress on that project is also advancing. They estimate having an additional six to seven years to secure the necessary funding for the Ballard station at NW Market Street.

Design Refinements and Cost Savings

As part of the push to final design, the West Seattle Link Extension plans have undergone significant refinements. One notable change is the removal of the Avalon Way station, which was part of the original 2016 ST3 plan. This decision is a major source of cost savings, allowing for redesigns of other project elements, including the tunnel portal near Nucor Steel.

Updated designs presented to the Seattle Design Commission reveal scaled-back station footprints. In SoDo, the planned transfer point for the Link 3 Line, the station concourse and canopy have been significantly reduced. Jason Hampton, West Seattle Link’s project director, explained that these changes concentrate access points and connections between platforms, reducing the need for extensive elevated structures and consequently lowering foundation costs in an area with challenging soil conditions.

The Delridge Station is now planned as a side-loading station, similar to the Mount Baker station on the Link 1 Line. This configuration aligns with plans for precast segmental construction of the rail guideway. Station elevations have also been adjusted to minimize height differences, further reducing escalator requirements. The station’s location has been shifted slightly north, creating an opportunity for redevelopment of a construction staging area at SW Andover Street, potentially enhancing the area’s gateway.

At Alaska Junction, the station has been considerably slimmed down and will be situated at a shallower depth. With two previously planned headhouses consolidated into one on the north side of Alaska Street, Sound Transit may no longer need to acquire the Jefferson Square property. While this consolidation means a single entrance, the shallower depth is expected to reduce rider travel time to the platform.

These design changes, particularly the removal of the Avalon Way station and the consolidation of station elements, are credited with making the West Seattle Link Extension more financially viable. Brad Owen, who oversees the capital teams for Ballard and West Seattle Link, indicated that similar cost-saving efforts are being pursued for the Ballard Link project with the renewed contract for its consultants.

Source: The Urbanist (https://www.theurbanist.org/sound-transit-board-advances-west-seattle-link-into-final-design/)

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