West Seattle Link Extension Hits 30% Design Milestone for 2035 Opening
Commuters traveling between Westlake and Alaska Junction will soon watch their daily trips nearly cut in half, dropping from approximately 30 minutes to about 16 minutes once Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link Extension integrates into the regional light rail network. Sound Transit announced Friday that the 3 Line project has officially reached its 30% design milestone, clearing a critical hurdle as it advances toward final design and a targeted 2035 opening.
Inside the 3D Flyover Rendering
To showcase these sweeping infrastructure changes, the agency released an animated flyover rendering detailing the planned alignment from downtown Seattle straight to West Seattle. According to soundtransit.org, the virtual tour starts from a newly reconstructed station at SODO and travels to the Alaska Junction Station, offering expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Duwamish River.
Geotechnical Data Drives Tunnel Design
The newly unveiled video incorporates project design decisions finalized through July 2026 into a comprehensive 3D model. This digital blueprint relies heavily on site-specific geotechnical information gathered directly through fieldwork.
3D Renderings Help Teams Design West Seattle Link Extension
Project teams use these advanced 3D video renderings to visualize design decisions and collaborate across multiple groups. This coalition includes architecture, permitting, sustainability, passenger experience, accessibility, construction, and the City of Seattle, soundtransit.org reported. The release of the West Seattle Link Extension video arrives a little over a week after Sound Transit celebrated the opening of Pinehurst Station in north Seattle five years ahead of schedule.
Neighborhood Coordination and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Sound Transit continues to coordinate closely with agency partners who are planning street and neighborhood improvements across the affected project areas. The agency plans to engage directly with the public in the coming months to discuss progress into final design and collect community feedback ahead of upcoming construction.
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