Land values and construction costs have increased since voters approved the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative.
"Cost estimates for extending Sound Transit light rail to both Ballard and West Seattle have risen by about $5 billion," reports Michelle Baruchman. That increase amounts to 50 percent of the previously estimated cost of extending light rail on either end of the Sound Transit system.
Another light rail project, between Federal Way and the Tacoma Dome, has also increased dramatically, according to Baruchman.
"Sound Transit blames the higher costs primarily on rising real estate prices in densely developed areas where projects would be built, and a hot construction market that has pushed prices higher than expected — even during the pandemic," according to Baruchman. The price of the projects has increased along with the price of land since voters approved the $54 billion Sound Transit 3 ballot measure in 2015.
The rising costs estimates will require Sound Transit to make final decisions on construction during the final environmental impact statement process. Sound transit spokesperson Geoff Patrick is paraphrased in the article as saying "actual projected costs will become more clear as projects advance to around 60% of the final design."
FULL STORY: Cost of building light rail to West Seattle, Ballard is much higher than first estimated
Alternatives Explored for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extensions
Plans to extend the Sound Transit light rail system are moving forward. Elected officials have a big choice to make that will determine the cost and scope of the projects.
The Northgate Link Extension Is Great, But Voters Want More
A recent survey of Seattle voters finds widespread support for the continued expansion of the Link light rail system in Seattle.
Two Transit Agencies Using Their Clout to Spur Affordable Housing
More transit agencies are recognizing that it's not enough to build transit infrastructure if the people who really need it don't live close enough to use it.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
