Sound Transit: East Link FAQ

Sound Transit has started work on the planning of East Link, a light rail transit connection between East King County and Seattle, across the I-90 bridge. After extensive study of many options, in July 2006 the Sound Transit Board identified light rail as the preferred mode for the connection due to its superior performance over all of the other alternatives. Funding to build East Link is part of a mass transit expansion proposal that will be before voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties on Nov. 4, 2008. The expansion proposal would add 36 miles of light rail to the Link system that is opening next year. It also includes a 17 percent expansion of ST Express bus service starting in 2009 and increases to Sounder commuter rail service.

The following is intended to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the East Link project. For further information, contact Ann Mueller at 206-370-5511 or send email to: ann.mueller@soundtransit.org

Frequently asked Questions

East Link Basics

Q: What is East Link?

The East link project is a proposal for an 18-mile light rail system that is currently being evaluated in the environmental review process. Funding to build East Link to the Overlake Transit Center, is part of a mass transit expansion proposal that will be before voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties on November 4, 2008. Sound Transit’s Long Range Plan updated in 2005 includes light rail continuing to downtown Redmond when new funding is identified.

The East Link light rail system undergoing environmental review would connect with Sound Transit’s Central Link light rail line at the International District/Chinatown Station in Downtown Seattle. It would then travel east across Lake Washington via Interstate 90 (I-90) to Mercer Island, downtown Bellevue, and Bel-Red with an interim terminus at the Overlake Transit Center in Redmond. The environmental review is also assessing the future extension to downtown Redmond. back to the top

Q: What are the advantages of light rail?

Light rail is versatile and flexible enough to run at street level, through tunnels, or in elevated right-of-way depending on the route. It also can expand and grow with increasing demand. It may use multi-car trains or single cars.

Sound Transit’s Link light rail trains will give passengers frequent two-way, rapid service 20 hours each day. Link will serve residential and business areas and will operate in its own right-of-way, providing reliable service no matter what the weather or traffic conditions.

Light rail stations are developed with each city and neighborhood to ensure that transportation and community objectives are met. Light rail is a sustainable transportation mode, powered by electricity largely generated from hydropower sources. When people choose to take light rail rather than drive, they help reduce our region's gas consumption and air pollution from cars. back to the top

Q. How are the light rail cars powered?

Light rail vehicles are powered by electricity. It takes 1500 volts to power the trains, which operate via a network of live, high-voltage electrical wires, called the Overhead Contact System (OCS). The OCS gets its power from Traction Power Sub-stations. These sub-stations are located at various points along the track so that each section of the system receives an ample supply of electricity to power the trains. back to the top

Q. How is light rail different from commuter rail (Sounder)?

Sounder trains are powered by diesel locomotives and operate on regular BNSF Railway Company tracks, along with freight and Amtrak trains, and have longer trains and fewer stations. Link light rail is a separate system that operates in its own track way and is powered by electricity from an overhead wire. Each Link vehicle is self-propelled and provides more frequent service than Sounder commuter rail. No other trains will operate on Link tracks. back to the top

Q: Why connect Seattle and the Eastside with light rail?

East Link and Central Link will connect the region’s population and employment centers of Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond to each other and to Sea-Tac International Airport. The Eastside is a major economic engine in the Central Puget Sound area and is home to global leaders in technology, manufacturing, retail and finance. The Cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah and Kirkland all support light rail as the preferred mode of high capacity transit across I-90.

The East King County population is expected to increase about 30 percent and employment to double by the year 2030. Moreover, in Bellevue, 70 percent of all future residential growth will occur in the city’s downtown. The Puget Sound Regional Council’s Vision 2020’s and subsequently Vision 2030’s strategy of directing this growth into centers connected by high capacity transit and light rail will keep the region moving and economically viable. back to the top

Q: Did you consider Bus Rapid Transit on I-90?

Yes. Local and regional agencies have been studying high capacity transit (HCT) alternatives on I-90 since the mid 1960’s. This 40-year body of research and decision-making supports the provision of HCT along the I-90 corridor connecting Seattle to Bellevue and the Eastside. Much of this history further identifies light rail specifically as the preferred mode choice for this corridor. Light rail was chosen as the HCT mode for the East Corridor across I-90 by the Sound Transit Board based on the extensive history of analysis as well as additional analysis prepared for the update to the Long-Range Plan in 2006. Review the Long Range Plan and associated issue papers>>> back to the top

Q: Why is light rail being considered on I-90 instead of SR-520?

There are several reasons why I-90 works more effectively than SR 520 for an initial cross-lake light rail line. I-90 was built for use as a High Capacity Transit facility, and already has a direct connection into the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel where it will connect with the Central Link light rail line.

The SR 520 alternative, on the other hand, presents both design and operating challenges. For example, there would be significant challenges connecting a surface rail line from SR 520 to the underground University Link light rail line that is being built from downtown Seattle north to the UW and eventually Northgate and into Snohomish County. The connections would have to be in an underground ‘merge’ of the rail lines or by building a separate right-of-way for the eastside line into downtown Seattle. Both of those choices would be very expensive and difficult to construct.

In addition, because the Link line between downtown Seattle and Northgate will carry a large number of passengers, riders from SR-520 would have to transfer to already crowded trains, creating crush loads. The I-90 route would bring passengers into Seattle to the International District/Chinatown Station where there is the capacity to continue to the north and south. Please see this fact sheet for more information>>> - back to the top

Q: Can light rail travel across Lake Washington via I-90?

Yes. The floating bridge was constructed with the intention of supporting rail in the future. Recent studies by WSDOT found that the I-90 floating bridge can support the weight of a light rail system. Sound Transit studies confirm that a light rail track system can be designed to accommodate the movements of the floating bridge.

In July 2005, when the Sound Transit Board updated its Long-Range Plan, it directed additional analyses of the I-90 corridor. This work included a light rail simulation test across the I-90 Bridge, completed by WSDOT in September 2005. That test confirmed previous computer modeling work and structural analyses that found the bridge capable of carrying light rail. The study also provided information about the bridge movements anticipated with light rail. Read more about light rail on I-90>>> - back to the top

Q: How fast and frequently will light rail run?

Link light rail vehicles have a maximum speed of 55 mph. When light rail travels at-grade in the right-of-way of an existing street, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Way South in the Rainier Valley, it travels at the posted speed limit of the adjacent roadway (e.g. 35 mph in the Rainier Valley).

The East Link operating plan assumes light rail trains in the peak periods would arrive every 7.5 to 10 minutes. During off-peak hours, East Link trains would arrive every 10 to 15 minutes. back to the top

Q: Is Sound Transit considering extending light rail to Eastgate and Issaquah?

Yes. A potential light rail extension in that corridor was identified in Sound Transit’s Long-Range Plan and map. In order to advance future expansions of the regional mass transit system, the Sound Transit 2 plan includes a series of light rail planning studies. These studies will help narrow the range of alternatives, evaluate potential routes and station locations, inform local comprehensive planning, prepare for formal environmental review and engineering, and position the Sound Transit Board to evaluate options for a third phase of high-capacity transit investments in the region. All of the studies will include extensive public outreach, identification of environmental issues, ridership forecasting, and conceptual engineering and cost estimating.

The studies include light rail extensions from Lynnwood to Everett, the University District to downtown Seattle via Ballard, Burien to Renton, downtown Seattle to Burien via West Seattle, South Bellevue to Issaquah along I-90, and along the SR 520 corridor between Redmond, Kirkland and the University of Washington, and further west into Seattle. These will inform potential updates to Sound Transit’s Long-Range Plan.

The ST2 Plan was adopted by the Sound Transit Board on July 24 and will be put to a public vote in November 2008. back to the top

Q: How will East Link connect to the airport?

The East Link light rail line will connect with Link's initial segment in downtown Seattle at the International District/Chinatown Station. From there passengers will transfer to a light rail train going south to the airport.

Q: What type of accommodations will be provided for bicyclists?

Each light rail vehicle has room to carry two bicycles suspended from the ceiling on hooks. Bike racks and lockers will be available at all stations.

Q: What is the cost of constructing East Link and how will it be funded?

The cost will depend on the alternatives selected by the Sound Transit Board. The Sound Transit Board will adopt a Final East Link alternative after the release of the Final EIS, which is scheduled for late 2009 or early 2010. Preliminary information on the potential cost to construct each alternative will be presented in the Draft EIS can be found on this Preliminary Findings Fact Sheet. back to the top

Environmental Process

Q: What is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and how long does it take to produce?

An EIS is the often-lengthy document that federal, state or local agencies use to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of its proposed major projects under the National Environmental Policy Act. State regulations also require the preparation of an EIS under the State Environmental Policy Act. A team of experts prepares a Draft EIS that includes:

• A description of the proposed action and why it is necessary;
• The environment that would be affected;
• Potential benefits and impacts of the proposed project alternatives; and
• Potential measures to mitigate adverse impacts.

Sound Transit is committed to preparing an EIS that contains sound analysis. The EIS for a major project such as East Link typically takes about three years or more. back to the top

Q: What was the process and schedule for identifying alternatives to be studied in the EIS?

The process begins by identifying routes that would serve the objectives set forth by the region in earlier planning work. The East Link alternatives were presented to the public in early September 2006 during what is called the public scoping process. Feedback was solicited on the alternatives being considered, and whether other reasonable alternatives should be included.
In December 2006, the Sound Transit Board identified the light rail routes, stations and maintenance facility alternatives for detailed study in the East Link Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The Board’s action put the agency on a path to continue conceptual engineering and preparation of the draft EIS. back to the top

Q: What is Conceptual Engineering?

Conceptual Engineering (CE) Is the first phase of design, bringing the project to approximately 5 to 10% design. At this state, plans are at a sufficient level of detail to confirm the location and scope of the project. These plans provide the environmental team with a defined footprint for assessing the environmental impacts and provide enough detail to develop an initial cost estimate. Following conceptual engineering are preliminary engineering and final design phases. back to the top

Q: Does Sound Transit have a preferred East Link alignment?

No. Sound Transit, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) began the approximate three-year environmental process in September 2006 with public scoping. In December 2006, the Sound Transit Board identified a reasonable range of route alternatives for study in a draft EIS. Sound Transit began preparing the draft EIS and conducting conceptual engineering on the identified alternative routes and stations in 2007. When Sound Transit, WSDOT and the FTA release the draft EIS, it will trigger a public comment period of at least 45 days. Sound Transit is extending the comment period for the East Link Draft EIS to 60 days. Following completion of the public comment period, the Sound Transit Board will identify the project’s preferred alignment and station locations. Sound Transit will then prepare a final EIS (which will include responses to all comments received during the draft EIS comment period) and complete preliminary engineering. Sound Transit, WSDOT and FTA anticipate releasing the final EIS in late 2009 or early 2010. After the release of the final EIS, the Sound Transit Board will formally adopt the project to be built, followed by the FTA issuing a Record of Decision. back to the top

Q: When will the final route and station locations be known?

The Sound Transit Board does not intend to identify a preferred alternative, including route and station locations, until the project team has completed the draft EIS and gone through enough environmental analysis and engineering to be confident with a preferred alternative. Sound Transit will not complete the draft EIS until the end of 2008.

A preferred alternative will be identified after the completion of conceptual engineering and draft EIS, and after public and agency review of the draft EIS. It is expected that the Sound Transit Board will choose a Preferred Alternative in Spring 2009. The Preferred Alternative will be evaluated in a Final EIS. Following the publication of the Final EIS at the end of 2009 or early 2010, the final alternative will be adopted by the Sound Transit Board of Directors. back to the top

Project Impacts

Q: What types of potential impacts are being evaluated in the EIS?

The EIS will evaluate potential light rail impacts on the natural environment (such as parklands, open space, wetlands, threatened and endangered species and other biological resources, floodplains, and other water resources). The EIS will also evaluate the developed environment (such as existing land uses, cultural resources including historic sites, hazardous materials, air quality, noise and vibration, utilities, traffic and community facilities). back to the top

Q: What are the impacts for the alternatives?

At this time, the impacts of specific alignments are being evaluated. However, some preliminary findings are available on this Preliminary Findings Fact Sheet. This information will become more refined as the project progresses and more specifics become known through the draft EIS development. back to the top

Q: How will Sound Transit mitigate for any project impacts?

The Draft EIS will identify measures to mitigate the significant adverse impacts of each project alternative. Minimization and avoidance measures will be considered for all elements of the environment in the Draft EIS. Where impacts cannot be avoided in this stage of design, the Draft EIS will include potential mitigation measures to reduce the overall impacts from each alternative. Mitigation measures are identified along with other project features that would reduce or eliminate impacts. Mitigation measures would be refined through the final design and permitting phase of the light rail line. back to the top

Q: What will construction of light rail be like?

The construction of light rail will be similar to other major transportation projects. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement will identify the potential impacts to homes and businesses in the project area as well as impacts to the entire community and natural resources. As with other major transportation construction, some temporary and permanent land acquisitions and easements will be unavoidable. back to the top

Q: Are there studies on the effect of rail transit on property values?

Yes, studies and reports on rail systems’ effect on property values throughout the United States have been published. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has compiled a Resource Guide that collected reports on rail transit and property values from cities including Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and San Diego.

The Resource Guide provides evidence that rail transit can have a positive impact on residential and commercial property values. Because of the enhanced regional access provided by a light rail station, nearby locations can be very appealing to potential homeowners, renters and owners of commercial and retail businesses. Many other factors affect property values as well, but proximity to a rail station is likely to be positive.

You can find the APTA Resource Guide along with citations of the original studies on-line. - back to the top

Q: If the at-grade alternative is constructed, how will surface streets be affected by light rail?

When the route is at street level or elevated, the right-of-way is generally widened to maintain the existing number of through lanes. However, widening is not an option in downtown Bellevue where buildings are close to city streets. The EIS will provide information about issues related to traffic, right-of-way requirements and street operations for each of the alternatives analyzed. back to the top

Q: Will I be able to hear light rail?

Light-rail is basically a quiet operation. Light rail vehicles produce less noise than diesel or other fuel-burning buses and have a similar noise level to a UPS truck. Smooth, welded rails and the rail and wheel maintenance program reduce much of the noise associated with light rail. The main source of noise in the East Link corridor will continue to be from automobile and truck traffic on adjacent streets and highways. The Draft EIS will include a noise analysis of each alternative in accordance with the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Guidance Manual. back to the top

Q: Does light rail cause vibration?

Because of its specialized track design, light rail does not generate the same level of vibration and noise as heavy-rail trains. The Draft EIS will include a vibration analysis of each alternative in accordance with the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Guidance Manual. back to the top

Q: How will the traffic lanes on I-90 be configured after LRT is in the center roadway?

Light rail across I-90 will be located in the center roadway, which is currently operated as peak direction HOV lanes. Sound Transit and WSDOT are beginning to implement the I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations Project, which will ultimately add HOV lanes to the outer roadways while maintaining three eastbound and three general purpose westbound lanes. Peak-direction HOV or bus only lanes will remain in the center lanes until the light rail line is built in the center roadway. back to the top

Community & Agency Coordination

Q: How does Metro and Sound Transit Express bus service integrate with Link light rail?

King County Metro and Sound Transit have developed a system of transit hubs through the eastside. The East Link project will connect many of those hubs with a high-capacity light rail line. Metro buses will connect neighborhoods to the East Link stations, providing an integrated transit network. Some bus routes that duplicate light rail service would be eliminated or revised to end at light rail stations. back to the top

Q: Are the routes under consideration in Bellevue consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan?

A: Yes. The East Link light rail alternatives are consistent with all local jurisdictions comprehensive plans in as much as the plans allow for high capacity transit (HCT) and state authorized essential public facilities, which includes Sound Transit’s HCT systems. The City of Bellevue plans and policies including the City’s recently adopted light rail policies provide guidance for the construction and operation of light rail in the City of Bellevue. back to the top

Q: How is Sound Transit working with other projects such as the I-405 Expansion and SR-520 Bridge Replacement projects?

Sound Transit works closely with other projects and jurisdictions. WSDOT is a co-lead on the environmental process and has staff assigned to the East Link project. Sound Transit staff meets regularly with other agencies to share the latest project information. This ensures all agencies are working together as projects move forward. Sound Transit is a co-lead with WSDOT on the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project.

Q: What upcoming public events/opportunities for input are planned?

When the Draft EIS is published, a formal comment period will include public meetings in Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond. These public meetings are expected in January 2009. back to the top

Next Steps

Q: What is the decision-making process?

Sound Transit will release the Draft EIS in late 2008 or early 2009 initiating a 60-day public comment period, which will include several public meetings.

After the public comment period, the Board will identify a preferred alternative.

A final EIS will be performed on the preferred alternative.

The Sound Transit Board will adopt the final alternative.

The FTA will issue a Record of Decision (ROD).

The Sound Transit Board will adopt a project budget and schedule.

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Q: How can I make my view known to decision-makers?

Sound Transit Board meetings are open to the public. Letters or e-mails can be sent to the Board at any time. Information on Board meetings, meeting agendas are available online on our calendar >>>

The Draft EIS will be available for public comment for 60 days in late 2009 or early 2010. In addition, public hearings will be held during the comment period to received oral testimony.

To receive updates on this project via email, register for our free subscription service and choose "East Link Updates".

To request a briefing for your organization or for more information contact Ann Mueller at 206-370-5511 or via email

Other Sound Transit projects

Q. What is the status of the Link light rail initial segment?

Construction of Link light rail line between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport is on schedule and more than 90 percent complete. Passenger service between downtown Seattle and Tukwila will begin in Summer 2009. Free shuttle buses will take passengers from the Tukwila International Blvd Station to Sea-Tac Airport until train service begins running to the airport at the end of 2009.

Expansion of Link light rail between downtown and the University of Washington is scheduled to begin this year and be completed in 2016. University Link is projected to increase the regional light rail system’s ridership to more than 114,000 a day by 2030. back to the top

Q. What other light rail extension projects are under consideration?

On Nov. 4, 2008, residents in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties will decide whether to expand mass transit in the Puget Sound region. The Mass Transit Expansion Proposal adds 36 miles of light rail to the Link system that opens for service between downtown Seattle and the airport in 2009 and to the University of Washington in 2016:

North from the University of Washington to Northgate, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood

East from downtown Seattle across Interstate 90 to Mercer Island, Bellevue, Overlake Hospital and Redmond’s Overlake Transit Center

South from Sea-Tac Airport to Highline Community College and Federal Way at Redondo/Star Lake

Streetcar connector serving Seattle’s International District, First Hill and Capitol Hill.

Additional information can be found here on our System Expansion website>>>

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East Link FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

East Link Basics

Environmental Process

Project Impacts

Community & Agency Coordination

Next Steps

Other ST projects

East Link Basics

Environmental Process

Project Impacts

Community & Agency Coordination

Next Steps

Other Sound Transit projects