Ballard Link Extension Draft EIS to be published December 11

The public will be able to review and comment on the Draft EIS through Feb. 9, 2027, as part of a 60-day comment period

Publish Date

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration will publish the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Ballard Link Extension project on Dec.11 kicking off a 60-day comment period that will run through Feb. 9, 2027. Members of the public can comment on the Draft EIS and share their feedback on the analysis.

The Draft EIS, prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), evaluates potential impacts and benefits of project alternatives to inform the public, Tribes, government agencies and decision makers. 

The Ballard Link Extension will add 7.7 miles of light rail from SODO to the Ballard neighborhood, including a new 3.3-mile rail-only tunnel. Construction from SODO to Seattle Center is fully funded under the updated ST3 System Plan, and is expected to open in 2042. 

While construction funding from Seattle Center to Ballard is not yet secured, the Draft EIS includes the entire alignment to Market Street in Ballard and advances the full extension through the next step of environmental review. Sound Transit is committed to reducing project costs, increasing financial capacity, and securing the remaining construction funding to be able to open the full extension at the same time.

The Draft EIS will be available for review at an online open house at https://ballardlink.participate.online. Printed copies will also be available.

Members of the public will have opportunities to review analysis of route and station location alternatives, potential impacts, and strategies to reduce them and submit formal responses at virtual and in-person public meetings, as well as by email, voicemail and mail. Visit the online open house to review the Draft EIS, submit comments, get information about upcoming meetings and sign up for project updates. 

The Sound Transit Board will consider the analysis in the Draft EIS, as well as public, agency and Tribal comments, before confirming or modifying the preferred alternative next year. Sound Transit will then prepare a Final EIS. After publication of the Final EIS, the Board will make a final decision on the project to be built.