Sound Transit announced the Ballard Link Extension to Market Street could open by 2042 if specific financial milestones are met.
Sound Transit announced on Friday that the full Ballard Link Extension to Market Street could open by 2042, provided the agency meets a series of financial and project milestones over the next seven years. The project, which was previously shelved during a May update to the ST3 System Plan, is now back on track with a commitment of $18.1 billion to the Ballard corridor. To achieve this timeline, the agency must secure roughly one billion dollars in savings or new revenue by 2030 and close the remaining funding gap by 2033. If these goals are not met, service to Market Street could be delayed until 2060. Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers expressed commitment to delivering the full extension while pursuing cost savings. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss supported the announcement, noting it provides a clear vision for the public. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay also stated that Ballard deserves light rail as an urban regional center with high projected ridership.