Following the May 28 adoption of an updated Sound Transit 3 (ST3) System Plan, the agency is launching a series of community outreach efforts to guide the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) through its final design phase. This updated plan establishes a path to address a $34.5 billion financial gap while continuing to deliver voter-approved transit expansions.

Connecting at Summer Events

A primary focus of the agency’s immediate next steps is engaging the community through informational booths at regional events. These events offer residents the opportunity to meet project staff, ask questions, and provide feedback on the evolving designs. The public can find the Sound Transit team at the following locations this summer:

• Burien Strawberry Festival: June 20-21
• West Seattle Summer Fest: July 10-12

Direct Support for Affected Residents

Beyond public festivals, Sound Transit is initiating direct outreach to property owners, tenants, and businesses. As property acquisition for the project will occur in phases, the agency has committed to working closely with those impacted to provide individualized support, relocation assistance, and benefits.

Design Refinements and Cost Savings

The outreach comes as the project incorporates significant changes aimed at reducing community impacts and costs. The most notable refinement is the removal of the Avalon Station, a move that—along with other alignment adjustments—is expected to save over $2 billion. Eliminating the station allows for more of the route to be placed in a tunnel, which reduces the number of properties needed for construction. The project will continue to move forward with stations at SODO, Delridge, and Alaska Junction.

Looking Ahead: Station Design and Early Construction

As final design progresses, the agency will continue seeking public input on station design, transit-oriented development, public art, and construction planning.

Later this year, the community will see the first signs of "early work" activity on the south end of Harbor Island. Crews will drill a test bridge shaft—roughly 10 feet wide and 250 feet deep—to analyze ground conditions for the future light rail bridge crossing the Duwamish Waterway. This technical milestone is essential for finalizing the bridge design and maintaining the project's momentum toward construction.

Residents seeking more information can visit the project webpage, call the hotline at (206) 903-7229, or email the team at westseattlelink@soundtransit.org.