Since voters approved a measure expanding Seattle's light rail network, construction and land costs have soared, adding billions to the projected price tag.
Seattle's Sound Transit agency "has a $6 billion to $8 billion funding shortfall to build nine rail extensions and two bus-rapid transit routes promised in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 measure," reports Michelle Baruchman. "Consultants this spring found that the deficit resulted from inaccuracies in early cost estimates along with rapid land and construction price increases." As Baruchman wrote in an earlier story, "[c]ost estimates for extending Sound Transit light rail to both Ballard and West Seattle have risen by about $5 billion," amounting to a 50% increase over prior estimates.
While federal aid could help bridge the funding gap, "Sound Transit’s board is considering new construction schedules, known as a 'realignment,' that postpone most opening dates two to 10 years in an attempt to manage tax revenue."
The Seattle Times asks readers to submit their questions about potential delays. "A realignment vote could come Aug. 5."
FULL STORY: What questions do you have about possible Sound Transit 3 delays?
West Seattle Link Expansion Could Cost $7 Billion
Sound Transit is moving forward with a proposed route despite severe cost overruns, throwing other major rail projects into question.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Seattle-Area Light Rail Breaks Ridership Record, Again
Thanks to a new extension and reorganized connecting bus lines, the Link light rail system topped 3 million rides in October.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure
After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.
The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.
Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions