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Sound Transit

Sound Transit has formally started the public planning process for two of its most highly anticipated new lines: West Seattle and Ballard. That means we all have another chance to envision exactly where trains should run someday when we're all old or long-dead.

Check out this Google Earth tour for a basic idea of the potential new routes, including the line to Ballard, which would run through a new downtown tunnel and South Lake Union station:

The two routes will be funded by Sound Transit 3, the $54 billion light rail package voters approved in 2016. The line to West Seattle is expected to open in 2030 and the line to Ballard in 2035.

Between now and March 5, Sound Transit is doing "early scoping" on these routes. That means this is your first chance to give feedback on where exactly Sound Transit will lay the tracks.

Those may sound like small decisions, but they could have big effects. The advocacy group Seattle Subway has highlighted two crossings that could cause delays on the future routes. A potential drawbridge to get to Ballard, for example, could be subject to unpredictable boat traffic or other delays. A tunnel or higher, static (non-opening) bridge could address that issue. Seattle Transit Blog has also brought up the design of the new downtown tunnel. If that tunnel isn't designed for expansion, it could hamstring future growth of the system. Of course, all of these decisions bring up questions about costs vs. the ideal transit system.

That's why you should take this chance to tell the agency what's most important to you. Sound Transit held a kickoff for the West Seattle line earlier this week. They'll do one for Ballard tonight (6:30-8:30 pm, Leif Erikson Lodge) and downtown on Tuesday (5:30–7:30 pm, Union Station). There's also an online open house you can read through right here. That includes this map, where you can see feedback other people have left on the routes and add comments of your own. Or you can email your comments to wsblink@soundtransit.org.