Sounder Rail Track and Signal Improvements

Map of Sounder Expansion Rail Track Improvement
Map of Sounder Expansion Rail Track Improvement

Project overview

Approved by voters in 2016, the Sounder Rail Track and Signal Improvements project would improve the Sound Transit-owned rail corridor from Tacoma Dome to DuPont. The improvements are intended to increase capacity and reliability for Sounder, Amtrak and freight rail by adding a second track and improving rail signals at key locations along the corridor. 

In 2022, Sound Transit received a Federal Railroad Administration grant, with a 50% local match, to support early project work on three segments of the corridor: 

  • Near Tacoma Dome Station, between Tacoma Rail Junction and Portland Avenue. 

  • Between South Pine Street and South 66th Street in South Tacoma. 

  • Between Lakewood and DuPont. 

In May 2026, the Sound Transit Board adopted an updated ST3 System Plan to bring the agency’s long-term financial outlook into balance. The updated plan includes funding for this project through preliminary engineering.  

Full project delivery is not funded under the existing financial plan. Future phases could move forward if additional funding is secured through partnerships or grants and with direction from the Sound Transit Board. 

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