The Sound Transit Board recently approved a realignment plan to serve as a framework for transit expansions projects across Washington’s Puget Sound region.
Under the plan, voter-approved projects are divided into four, completion target-date tiers. Each project’s expenditures will be managed to protect the affordable schedule for all other projects.
The plan estimates affordable delivery dates for projects under current revenue and cost projections. It establishes ambitious completion targets based on plans to intensively pursue additional financial capacity and cost reductions.
“In the next three years, Sound Transit will nearly triple the length of our light rail system from 22 to 62 miles,” Kent Keel, Sound Transit Board chairman, said. “The realignment plan will guide our work to expedite the next waves of projects, including reaching Tacoma, Everett, West Seattle, and Ballard and delivering bus rapid transit and Sounder expansions. These projects are critical for keeping people moving in the face of our population growth and for protecting our economy and environment. To succeed, we will need expanded collaboration at the local, state, and national levels.”
There is a $6.5 billion affordability gap for delivering projects on earlier schedules because of a rise in real estate and construction costs.