Tacoma Dome Access Improvements

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Tacoma Dome Access Improvements

Map depicting Tacoma Dome Access Improvements project area
Map depicting Tacoma Dome Access Improvements project area

Tacoma Dome Access Improvements project updates

Like many agencies nationwide that are balancing transit operations and mega-project capital expansions, Sound Transit faces rapidly escalating costs in nearly every area of its work.  

The “Enterprise Initiative” is Sound Transit’s comprehensive effort aimed at delivering the maximum benefits of ST3 within available financial resources. As part of this effort, the Sound Transit Board is evaluating different approaches to updating the ST3 System Plan in summer 2026, which may include new ways to build, phase, or sequence projects.  

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Public review and comment period for DNS and SEPA Checklist

The DNS, SEPA Checklist, and supporting materials are available for public review and comment from Jan. 15 - Jan. 29, 2026. You can provide comments in the following ways: 

  • Mail: send written comments to:  
    C/O: Elma Borbe, Sr. Environmental Planner  
    401 S Jackson St,  
    Seattle, WA 98101

Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2026.  

More information: 

Overview

Sound Transit is partnering with the City of Tacoma to improve access to the Tacoma Dome Station area through the Tacoma Dome Access Improvements (TDAI) project. Improvements may include up to 300 new surface parking stalls and easier, safer ways to walk, roll, bike, and ride transit to and from the station area.

TDAI is funded by the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) program, approved by voters in 2008. TDAI is part of the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) program. ST2 dedicates funding to a mix of projects that will improve access to the Tacoma Dome Station area, including better sidewalks and crossings, improved bike connections, and potential new surface parking near the station. This project will support access for passengers riding Sounder commuter rail, T Line light rail, Sound Transit Express and Pierce Transit buses, Amtrak intercity rail service, and the future Tacoma Dome Link Extension.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership and parking demand have decreased, with Tacoma Dome Station and nearby Pierce Transit parking typically half full. We expect parking demand to grow once the larger Link light rail system extends in 2035. The TDAI project addresses this future demand while improving non-motorized options for accessing the station area. 

Proposed future improvements

As part of this project, Sound Transit is evaluating:

  • Up to 300 new surface parking spaces.
  • Pedestrian, bicycle, or other transit-related improvements, including:
    • Better pedestrian improvements within ¼ mile of the station.
    • Better bike connections within ½ mile of the station.
    • Additional transit and transfer facilities at the station.
    • Transit speed and reliability upgrades.
    • Expanded or new passenger loading areas.

Current project status

To advance this project, Sound Transit has completed a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist and supporting technical information, which provides information about the potential environmental impacts and benefits of the proposed projects. As part of the checklist, Sound Transit developed the following technical memos:

  • Noise and Vibration Technical Memo
  • Hazardous Materials Technical Report
  • Transportation Technical Memo
  • Cultural Resources Assessment

Based on the SEPA checklist and supporting technical information, Sound Transit, as the SEPA lead agency, has determined that the project is not expected to have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment and has issued a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS).