 North Link Light RailExtending Light Rail From Downtown Seattle to Northgate
With construction nearly complete and testing underway on the initial segment of Link light rail between SeaTac and downtown Seattle, and University Link expected to break ground in early 2009, Sound Transit is working toward for future extensions. Extending Link north from the University District to Lynnwood was included in the Mass Transit Expansion Proposal approved by the region’s voters in November 2008.
On April 7, 2006, Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration issued the North Link Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to the 1999 Central Link Final Environmental Impact Statement on the light rail transit project running from Downtown Seattle to Northgate. The Final SEIS evaluates the environmental impacts of alternative route alignments and station locations from Downtown Seattle to Northgate. The Final SEIS includes the Preferred Alternative identified by the Sound Transit Board, with stations at Capitol Hill, University of Washington, Brooklyn, Roosevelt and Northgate.
The Federal Transit Administration has issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for North Link. The ROD acknowledges the completion of the environmental process for North Link.
Next Steps
In July 2008, the Sound Transit Board unanimously approved placing a Mass Transit Expansion Proposal on the November 2008 ballot. That proposal includes extension of Link light rail north from the University of Washington to Lynnwood. The first phase includes service to stations at Brooklyn, Roosevelt and Northgate, followed by service to stations at 145th Street, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. With voter approval, the agency will be ready to launch into final design and construction.
New Connections
When it is complete, North Link will provide a comfortable and convenient travel option for people who live and work in the area between downtown and Northgate. North Link will connect four urban centers to the initial segment - Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, The University District, and Northgate - providing additional travel capacity in the highest ridership corridor in the region.
Some 150,000 daily commuters are expected to board light rail for reliable service, unaffected by freeway slowdowns, saving users over 20,000 hours of travel time each weekday.
Typical travel times to/from Downtown Seattle are expected to be:
- Northgate Station Bus: 26 min Rail: 13 min
- Brooklyn/NE 45th Station Bus: 22 min Rail: 8 min
Jeff Munnoch
Community Outreach Specialist
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:(206) 398-5131
24 Hour Hotline:(888) 298-2395
jeff.munnoch@soundtransit.org
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