University Link
Project Updates
Project Information:
University Link is a 3.15 mile light rail extension that will run in twin-bored tunnels from Downtown Seattle north to the University of Washington, with stations at Capitol Hill and on the University of Washington campus near Husky Stadium.
University Link will serve the three largest urban centers in the state of Washington – Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill and the University District. By 2030, the University Link line alone is projected to add 70,000 boardings a day to the light rail system.
View a detailed map of the light rail route.
Funding:
University link construction is being paid for by a combination of federal grants, MVET, and local sales tax (.4%). The total cost for University Link is $1.9 Billion.
Project Status:
Sound Transit has completed the Environmental Impact Study, real estate acquisition and final design work on University Link. Construction began on the two stations and tunnel track in 2009. Construction will continue over the next seven years until University link opens for service in 2016.
Capitol Hill Station
The underground Capitol Hill Station will be built just east of Broadway Avenue and south of East John Street, beneath Nagle Place and adjoining properties (site plan). This station will serve the densely populated neighborhood and the Broadway business district, as well as Seattle Central Community College, Group Health Medical Center and other nearby employers. Locating the station east of Broadway and west of Cal Anderson Park reduces construction disruptions in the Broadway business district and the recently developed park.
The Capitol Hill station includes three station entrances: a north entrance on the east side of Broadway at the corner of East John Street, a west entrance on the west side of Broadway just south of East Denny Way, and a south entrance at the corner of East Denny Way and Nagle Place.
These station entrances will be further studied in final design to enhance station access and circulation.
By the year 2030, the Capitol Hill Station will serve 14,000 daily riders.
Public Art
Two artists will create works for the station; Mike Ross for the platform level of the station and Ellen Forney for the station entrances. More information on their ideas for the station.
Transit Oriented Development
Sound Transit has begun a TOD work program to carefully consider the opportunities and constraints at work for parcels to be redeveloped following construction of the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station.
Learn more >>>
Capitol Hill Construction Information
Current information on Capitol Hill light rail station construction >>>
University of Washington Station
The underground University of Washington Station (aerial view, plan view), adjacent to Husky Stadium, will provide regional access to the University of Washington campus and UW Medical Center, nearby sports venues and surrounding neighborhoods. The entrance to the underground station will be located adjacent to Husky Stadium. A grade-separated pedestrian bridge over Montlake Boulevard will provide a direct connection to the upper campus and the Burke-Gilman Trail and minimize conflicts between pedestrians and bicyclists.
By the year 2030, approximately 25,000 riders will board light rail trains at the University of Washington Station.
Public Art
Local Artist and UW graduate Leo Saul Berk has been commissioned to create a unique work of art integrated into the structure of the University of Washington Station. His concept is to create an underground planetarium by cutting an artist-designed hatch pattern into the back-lit metal walls of the station interior.
UW Construction Information
Current information on UW light rail station construction >>>
For More Information:
Project Contact
Jeff Munnoch
Community Outreach Specialist
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:(206) 398-5131
24 Hour Hotline:(888) 298-2395
jeff.munnoch@soundtransit.org
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