The Sound Transit Board of Directors voted on Oct. 22 to authorize the acquisition of property rights across 64 real estate parcels, marking another step forward in the planning and construction of the West Seattle Link Extension.

The passage of Resolution R2026-23 gives agency leadership formal authorization to acquire full property titles, partial interests, and legal easements through negotiated purchases or, if required, eminent domain proceedings.

The decision secures critical right-of-way along the 3.9-mile light rail corridor, which will connect SODO to the Alaska Junction with three new stations.

Who Is Affected

The newly approved measure targets 64 individual property parcels stretched across West Seattle and SODO, including locations along Southwest Andover Street, Southwest Avalon Way, Delridge Way Southwest, and the 4000 block of 32nd Avenue Southwest.

The acquisitions fall into three distinct categories:

• 3 Full Acquisitions: Sound Transit will buy three properties outright. These include one residential townhome in the Pigeon Point neighborhood and two commercial properties.

• 1 Partial Acquisition: The agency will take ownership of a dedicated section of an industrial site.

• 60 Easements: Sound Transit is securing legal access permissions rather than full property transfers across 60 parcels. These include underground subsurface easements for tunneling beneath homes, overhead aerial easements, and temporary access rights for heavy equipment during construction. Affected lands include private residential lots, commercial property, and parcels managed by the Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, and BNSF Railway.

The full purchases will force two permanent relocations: one residential household in Pigeon Point and one non-residential commercial tenant. Under federal and state relocation assistance laws, Sound Transit must provide relocation advisory services, moving support, and financial compensation to both displaced parties.

What Comes Next

With the resolution officially adopted, real estate representatives for Sound Transit will begin direct outreach to property owners and tenants.

1. Appraisals & Valuation: Independent appraisers will determine fair market value for the affected land, full structures, and targeted easements.

2. Purchase Negotiations: Property officers will enter good-faith purchase negotiations with owners based on the appraised values.

3. Relocation Support: Specialized relocation officers will work directly with the impacted Pigeon Point home resident and commercial tenant to identify replacement locations and cover relocation costs.

4. Contracting: Late this fall and winter, Sound Transit plans to bring on construction management services to prepare for major civil works.

Heavy construction contracts for bridges, tunnels, elevated guideways, and station foundations are scheduled for award in 2027, with revenue service for the West Seattle line targeted to open in 2035.