Sound Transit details multi-million dollar savings plan for West Seattle Link Extension; Avalon station proposed cancellation amid other measures
Sound Transit officials unveiled detailed plans for significant cost reductions and design optimizations for the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) at a packed community forum held Monday, November 17th, at the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association venue at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. The forum, hosted by King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, offered West Seattle residents a direct look at the agency’s ongoing efforts to close a massive funding gap while keeping the project on track.
The West Seattle Link Extension is designed to add 4.1 miles of light rail service and connect four stations (though this number is subject to change based on optimization decisions). The WSLE is currently estimated to cost between $7.1 billion and $7.9 billion before cost savings levers are applied, significantly higher than the $4.2 billion specified in the 2021 Financial Plan.
