As feared, Sound Transit to consider pricey Seattle tunnels

Snohomish County officials worry the underground segments could slow light rail’s arrival in Everett.

Light rail map from West Seattle to Paine Field. (Sound Transit)

Light rail map from West Seattle to Paine Field. (Sound Transit)

SEATTLE — During a contentious meeting Thursday, the Sound Transit board voted 12-5 to continue to study options, including tunnels, for future light-rail lines to West Seattle and Ballard.

If they’re ultimately included, the underground segments could add an estimated $1 billion to the project while raising concerns about slowing Link light rail’s arrival to places such as Everett.

The tunnels were identified as one of two preferred alternatives. That means they’re defined by Sound Transit as a preference among designs being studied. The language for the tunnel routes included the caveat “with third-party funding.”

“The magnitude of what we are taking on has potential weak spots in scope, in timing and costs, because we don’t know those things yet,” said Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, a Sound Transit Board member, during the meeting. “I still worry how the hell we are going to get to Tacoma and Everett.”

All three Snohomish County officials who sit on the Sound Transit board voted against the motion. Two Pierce County leaders joined them.

The tunnels were not part of the $54 billion ST3 package voters approved in 2016, which also will connect the light-rail system to Everett and Tacoma. The plan included an elevated route into West Seattle’s Alaska Junction and a movable bridge over Salmon Bay to Ballard.

The other preferred alternative identified for West Seattle was an elevated alignment that was very similar to what was part of the ST3 plan. In Ballard, a high-fixed bridge was designated as a second preferred alternative. A movable bridge will also be studied. The preferred options for Ballard seek to minimize conflicts with maritime traffic on the Ship Canal.

In an effort to speed up construction of ST3 projects and meet deadlines set in the package, Sound Transit wanted to identify a preferred alternative earlier in the process than was done in the past.

“Although we eliminated some of the alternatives… we still have quite a number on the table,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers during the meeting.

Snohomish County officials worry if the scope and cost of the work increases with the inclusion of tunnel routes, it will impact projects further down the line. They have continually said a priority should be completing the light rail spine that connects Everett, Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma.

“We will fight every step of the way for the regional system,” said Paul Roberts, an Everett councilmember and Sound Transit board member after the meeting.

The transit agency has said that third-party funding, which has yet to be identified, would be needed to pay for the underground routes. The change could also delay the opening of the extensions.

Additional funding for the underground portions must be paid for by Seattle, Somers said. He doesn’t want state or other regional transportation dollars used to cover added costs.

Some West Seattle residents argue a tunnel into the Alaska Junction, a main thoroughfare in the neighborhood, would be the least disruptive and displace fewer residents.

In 2020, the board will make a final decision on the alignments, whether to go underground or elevated. The board includes 10 members from King County, four from Pierce County, three from Snohomish County and the secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“We now have a path,” Earling said after the vote. “Obviously Snohomish County didn’t completely agree with the path.”

Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @lizzgior.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

A salmon carcass lays across willow branches in Edgecomb Creek on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts

Court-ordered projects have sparked collaboration for salmon habitat restoration

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.