Environmental analysis is available on new options for light rail stations in University District and Capitol Hill, and maintenance base sites in Duwamish area

Based on new information from preliminary engineering and from ongoing public input, Sound Transit has analyzed new options for the construction of light rail stations at 45th Street N.E. in the University District and on Capitol Hill, and potential new sites for a maintenance facility in the Duwamish industrial area. The results are published in an Environmental Analysis (EA) that has just been issued. The release of the document starts a 30-day public comment period on its findings. Copies of the document are available for public review at Sound Transit offices, and at numerous public libraries and community centers. Copies may be obtained by contacting Sound Transit at 206-398-5000. 

The analysis evaluates potential new alternatives at all three locations:
 

• N.E. 45th Street Station - The EA looks at the impacts and benefits of locating its northern-most light rail subway station in the University District under the west side of 15th Ave. N.E., in addition to the original analysis of siting it to the east of the street;
• Capitol Hill Station - The analysis looks at the effects of four potential alternatives for the light rail station and a track cross-over between subway tunnels on Capitol Hill, including a deep-mined option and three options for construction closer to the surface using cut-and-cover construction techniques;
• Maintenance Base - Three additional potential sites for a light rail maintenance base in the Duwamish industrial area are evaluated in addition to the site analyzed in the draft EIS.

Three public meetings have been scheduled to discuss the findings and accept public comment.

Maintenance Base Options  Tuesday, Aug. 24 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seattle Public Utilities Operations Ctr. 2700 Airport Way S. Seattle

University District Options Monday, Aug. 30 6 to 8 p.m. University Heights Community Ctr. 5031 University Ave. N.E. Seattle

Capitol Hill Options Tuesday, Aug. 31 6 to 8 p.m. Seattle Central Community College, Rm.1110 1701 Broadway Seattle

Sound Transit is also accepting written comments on the environmental analysis through the public comment period, which closes Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. Written comments should be sent in the form of a signed letter with return address (for the record) to:

James Irish, Environmental Project Manager
Central Link EA
Sound Transit 
1100 Second Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98101-3423 All comments and responses received on the environmental assessment will be incorporated into the final EIS for the Central Link light rail system, which is scheduled for completion and issuance this fall. The planned 21-mile Central Link light rail system will connect communities between north Seattle and SeaTac with modern, reliable electric light rail transit.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.