SEATTLE — Sound Transit’s board has voted to delay most elements of future expansion of its light rail system by two to 10 years to address a projected $6.5 billion funding shortfall.
The Seattle Times reports the so-called “realignment” plan, for projects approved by voters under the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative, does move up the date for one station, at 130th Street, from 2036 to 2025, while two others will remain on their original schedule to open in 2031.
Beyond that, however, the new plan means the full series of projects — none of which have yet begun construction — will take 30 years to complete. The resolution passed by the board does leave the door open to avoid or decrease delays for some projects, if more funds can be found from federal grants or other sources, or if outside consultants can produce cost-saving ideas.
Among other measures of the plan, park-and-ride locations along the light rail line to Tacoma, Wash., will be funded by delaying an increase of Sounder commuter train frequencies until 2046.
Share this article
