Seattle’s Sound Transit identified its preferred light rail alignment and station locations for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the regional transit system. 

The 10-mile extension will connect Federal Way to Tacoma with four new stations and is now set to enter the preliminary engineering and final environmental impact statement (EIS) phase.

While not a final decision, selecting a preferred alternative signals the board’s current direction for the project. A final alignment will be chosen following the release of the Final EIS, expected in 2027.

Sound Transit’s Decision

The board’s decision was informed by public input, feedback from local and tribal governments, and analysis included in the Draft EIS. 

Notably, the project team engaged in extensive collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, whose reservation includes a significant portion of the planned route and two proposed stations. Sound Transit has pledged to continue working closely with the Tribe throughout the project’s development.

“This vote marks a major milestone toward establishing light rail service to all three counties in the Sound Transit district,” said Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers. “It’s another step forward in building the regional light rail spine that voters approved.”

The Board’s preferred alternative includes:

• South Federal Way: The SR 99-West Alternative is refined to run along the east side of SR 99 in Milton, with a station on the south side of South 352nd Street.

• Fife: The Fife I-5 Alternative, with a station near 15th Street East and 59th Avenue East.

• Tacoma: Stations are on Portland Avenue, and a Tacoma Dome location is close to the existing Sounder station.

The Tacoma Dome Link Extension is part of Sound Transit’s broader effort to complete a three-county light rail network spanning Everett to Tacoma.