The next stage of the West Seattle-Ballard Light Rail extension is underway, as Sound Transit has identified alignment options for environmental studies.
The Interbay/Ballard alternatives to be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Study are as follows:
- Movable bridge with 15th elevated station – From elevated Interbay station, continues along 15th Avenue W and crosses Salmon Bay via a movable bridge west of the existing Ballard Bridge. Continues in an elevated guideway along 15th Avenue NW. Terminates at an elevated Ballard Station on 15th Avenue NW near NW Market Street.
- High fixed bridge with 14th elevated station – From elevated Interbay station, continues over 15th Avenue W, crosses Salmon Bay via a fixed bridge east of the existing Ballard Bridge and continues in an elevated guideway on 14th Avenue NW. Terminates at an elevated station on 14th Avenue NW at NW Market Street.
- Tunnel with 14th or 15th tunnel station – From Interbay station, descends into a tunnel beneath Salmon Bay. Terminates at a tunnel Ballard station with station options beneath 14th Avenue NW or east of 15th Avenue NW at NW Market Street.
- Tunnel with 20th tunnel station – Scoping comments suggested interest in a station farther west in Ballard with a tunnel crossing under Salmon Bay and tunnel station at 20th Avenue NW.
Sound Transit will work with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to prepare the DEIS. After the environmental evaluation and public/agency engagement, the Sound Transit Board will confirm or modify the preferred alternative. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected in 2020.