That’s $50 billion in unanticipated expenses to deliver a project later than expected.įor perspective, that’s like adding a second Sound Transit 3 (ST3) tax to the plan. Projects approved in 2016 - including rail to Ballard, West Seattle, Tacoma and Everett - aren't expected to be completed until the 2030s.Since 2017, Sound Transit’s full system expansion went from costing taxpayers $92 billion to an incredible $142 billion, and project completion was stretched from 2041 to 2046.Of note: The projects that are currently delayed are those voters approved in 2008. What's next: Officials are still working to finalize new opening dates for the projects. Flashback: After King County voters rejected a measure to build regional rail in 1970, the federal government redirected almost $1 billion to Atlanta to help launch its MARTA system instead.metros (Boston and Atlanta come to mind) when it comes to building its rail system. The big picture: The Seattle area already lags some U.S. Separately, the light rail lines to Lynnwood and downtown Redmond could be delayed four to six months because of the recent concrete workers strike, as well as pandemic-related supply and staffing shortages, the agency said. Officials said a recent small landslide revealed soil problems that may require a redesign of part of the route.Meanwhile, a planned extension to Federal Way isn't expected until sometime in 2025, as opposed to late 2024. A handful of light rail projects will take longer to complete than previously expected - meaning hopeful commuters won't be boarding the trains as soon as once thought.ĭriving the news: The East Link light rail extension to Mercer Island and Bellevue - originally scheduled to open in mid-2023 - is forecast to be delayed by at least a year due to faulty construction, Sound Transit officials said during a meeting last Thursday.

Light link rail seattle