Board sticks with South Lake Union light rail station next to Aurora
New Light Rail Station: Boon or Bane for Seattle?
Sound Transit's board has decided to keep the new South Lake Union Station by Aurora Avenue, prioritizing transit convenience over traffic concerns. This decision, favoring a site at Seventh Avenue North and Harrison Street, allows for easier transfers and access to nearby jobs, despite opposition from local businesses and concerns over construction-induced traffic and economic impacts. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other board members chose to avoid further delays and costs associated with alternative proposals, maintaining the original 2039 opening timeline for the $11.2 billion light rail extension.
Why did the Sound Transit governing board decide to maintain their preliminary 2023 vote for the Seventh Avenue location instead of voting on a new option during their recent meeting?
The Sound Transit governing board decided to maintain their preliminary 2023 vote for the Seventh Avenue location for several reasons outlined during their meeting5. Firstly, the board had already undergone a seven-year planning process and was reluctant to add an additional 10 months of environmental study required for the alternative Fifth Avenue proposal5. This delay would not only extend the project timeline but also potentially increase the construction budget significantly due to inflation, with estimates ranging from $500 million to $1 billion.
Additionally, project-management consultant Dave Peters advised that the Seventh Avenue site at Harrison Street presented fewer uncertainties and risks compared to other options. This site allows for easier bus-to-train transfers and is closer to job centers, enhancing convenience for future riders. The board's decision was also influenced by broader regional financial considerations. They were concerned that delays and cost increases could impact the financial viability of the entire regional transit system, which includes extending high-capacity transit to other areas like Everett and Tacoma4.
By not voting on a new option and keeping the 2023 preliminary decision in place, the board effectively chose a path that mitigates financial risk and adheres to previously set timelines, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining progress on the broader Sound Transit 3 project approved by voters25.
What reasons did Vulcan Real Estate, Amazon, and several other businesses give for opposing the planned location of the South Lake Union Station?
Vulcan Real Estate, Amazon, and several other businesses opposed the planned location of the South Lake Union Station due to concerns about potential traffic gridlock34. They argued that this congestion could jeopardize downtown Seattle's economic recovery post-pandemic. Specifically, their concerns were centered around the impact of closing road lanes for an extended period—eight years of light rail construction at both the South Lake Union (SLU) and Denny Station sites4. This, they feared, would significantly disrupt traffic flow and hinder access to the downtown area, negatively affecting businesses and the overall economic environment in the vicinity.