Urgent: Speak Up to Protect Magnolia’s Future Light Rail Access

Magnolia residents are being urged to speak up ahead of the May 28 Sound Transit Board meeting as the agency considers major changes to the voter-approved Ballard Link Extension.

Due to growing project cost concerns, Sound Transit is evaluating scenarios that could stop the future light rail extension at Seattle Center instead of continuing to Ballard. This would significantly reduce regional transit access for Northwest Seattle communities, including Magnolia.

For Magnolia, the proposed reduction could mean the loss of future stations near the Magnolia Bridge and at 17th W & Dravus. The Dravus station has also been discussed as an important walkable connection point for Magnolia during a potential bridge closure or other transportation disruption.

Seattle City Councilmember and Sound Transit Board member Dan Strauss has encouraged residents to submit comments in support of continuing the Ballard extension planning process.

The Ballard Link Extension was approved by voters as part of Sound Transit 3 (ST3) and is projected to become one of the region’s highest-ridership transit corridors.

Community members can:

• Submit written comments to the Sound Transit Board

• Testify online or in person at the May 28 meeting

• Contact elected officials regarding continued planning for Ballard and Magnolia-area stations

Even a short message can make an impact: “Build the train to Ballard, with Magnolia stations.”

You can send email comments for the meeting, to the Board, or testify in person or online.