Sound Transit will showcase plans for extending light rail to Sea-Tac International Airport this week at an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, June 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sea-Tac City Hall council chambers, located at 4800 South 188th St. in SeaTac.
The event will provide a chance for community members to comment on the recently released Environmental Assessment for Airport Link as the Sound Transit Board prepares to move forward with decisions on project details this summer. Sound Transit is also soliciting input on establishing the name for the airport light rail station.
Information on the Airport Link project, including links to the recently released Environmental Assessment addressing issues related to project impacts and mitigation, are available at http://www.soundtransit.org/projects/svc/link/south/default.asp. Community members can also send comments on the Environmental Assessment to Lauren Swift, Link Environmental Planner, Sound Transit – Airport Link EA, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, or via e-mail to airportlinkenvironmental@soundtransit.org.
Construction of the 14-mile Central Link light rail initial segment from downtown Seattle to Tukwila began in late 2003. Crews are now working along most of the alignment. Passenger service is scheduled to begin in mid 2009. Last year Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle and the City of SeaTac announced agreements for extending the line directly to the airport. The 1.7-mile Airport Link extension is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009, shortly following the initial segments opening.
The agencies planning includes accelerated construction of new roadways that will enhance airport vehicle access and make way for the airports continued expansion. The plan locates the Central Link light rail airport station adjacent to the fourth level of the existing airport parking garage, with an elevated walkway to International Boulevard and a pedestrian walkway to the airports ticket counters.
The 15.7-mile Central Link system is projected to provide fast and reliable trips to approximately 45,000 passengers daily by 2020.
