October 2018 outreach recap

Thanks to everyone who attended the online or in-person open house in October to learn more about Sound Transit's plans for a new garage and pedestrian, bicycle, and bus improvements at Kent Station. We heard from over 150 of you – thanks for your questions and comments! Didn't have a chance to participate? View the display boards and outreach summary on our website.

Sound Transit is building a new parking garage at East James Street and Railroad Avenue North and improving pedestrian, bicycle and bus access in the area to give more people convenient access to the Sounder train. The new garage, with approximately 530 parking spaces (approximately 460 net new), is anticipated to open in 2023.

We heard questions and comments from many of you on topics such as the number of parking spaces, safety at the new garage, and more. Check out the outreach summary and our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

What's next?

In addition to refining the garage layout and other improvements, we're also evaluating potential environmental impacts and possible mitigation measures. We will issue the results of this evaluation for public review and comment in spring 2019.

More about the Kent Station project

The Sounder commuter train travels between Lakewood and downtown Seattle with 13 roundtrips each weekday, providing reliable and convenient connections to Kent and eight other stations along the route. Currently, the Kent parking garage fills up early every weekday.

In November of 2017 the Sound Transit Board identified a preferred package of access improvements for Kent Station, including a new parking garage at East James Street and Railroad Avenue North, along with pedestrian, bicycle and transit improvements.