Sound Transit choses preferred route, stations for Tacoma Dome light-rail extension

The Sound Transit board on June 26 identified its preferred light-rail route and station locations for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, which will extend light-rail service about 10 miles from Federal Way to Tacoma and include four new stations.

The project now enters the preliminary engineering and final environmental impact statement phase for further study. The identification of a preferred alternative indicates the direction the board is now leaning. The board will select the project to build after publication of the final environmental impact statement (EIS), anticipated in 2027, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

The board considered comments from tribes, the public and agencies, as well as analysis in the draft EIS in identifying its preferred alternative and station locations. Extensive coordination was also undertaken with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, as a large portion of the route and two stations are located on its reservation. Close coordination with the tribe will continue throughout every phase of the project, Sound Transit officials said.

“This vote marks a major milestone toward establishing light-rail service to all three counties in the Sound Transit district,” said Sound Transit Chair Dave Somers. “It’s also another step forward in building the regional light-rail spine that voters approved.”

The total projected cost of the Tacoma Dome Link Extension is $4.63 billion, with an in-service date set for some time in 2035, the Everett Post reported. 

Detailed information about the board's action is available at this link.