Frequently Asked Questions

Future Tracks is a coalition of downtown Seattle stakeholders – led by the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Seattle Association – working together to plan for light rail construction and its transformation of downtown Seattle.

Future Tracks is an independent coalition, not affiliated with Sound Transit or any other public entity. We work in partnership with Sound Transit and the City of Seattle to ensure that downtown communities, businesses, and institutions are strengthened and supported during construction of the Ballard Link Extension.

The Ballard Link Extension is planned to bring light rail to growing neighborhoods including Ballard, Interbay and South Lake Union. Approved by voters in 2016 as part of Sound Transit 3 (ST3), the project includes new downtown tunnels and stations to connect these areas with the regional light rail system. The updated ST3 System Plan funds construction to Seattle Center while Sound Transit continues design and works to secure the additional funding needed to complete the extension to Market Street.

Light rail construction downtown will involve significant activity over several years, including tunneling, station excavation, and utility relocation. This will lead to temporary and short-term impacts such as street closures, detours, noise, and reduced access in certain areas

Future Tracks is working to ensure downtown communities are protected during light rail construction by engaging directly with affected stakeholders and advocating for strong mitigation measures. Our goal is to minimize disruption, protect small businesses, and keep downtown moving forward during this major infrastructure project.

Construction on the Ballard Link Extension is currently scheduled to begin in 2028. Sound Transit’s updated ST3 System Plan funds construction from Chinatown-International District to Seattle Center, with service anticipated to begin in 2042. The plan also provides funding to complete design of the full extension to Market Street. Sound Transit is working to identify additional cost savings and funding needed to complete construction to Ballard, with the goal of opening the full extension to Market Street in 2042.

Please visit the Ballard Link Extension project website for updated information regarding the project.

You can get involved in Future Tracks by joining our mailing list to stay informed about future opportunities to participate. Sign up to receive updates, event invitations, and ways to help ensure downtown Seattle stays connected and vibrant through construction. Updates from Sound Transit can be found here.