Sound Transit Approves Land Purchase for West Seattle Rail
The rail extension will acquire 64 parcels, affecting one local household and requiring relocation.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Residential
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The Sound Transit board has authorized property acquisitions across 64 parcels to facilitate the West Seattle Link Extension. This project, now estimated to cost between $4.9 billion and $5.3 billion, will require the relocation of one household and one commercial tenant.
Why it matters
The authorization marks a major step forward for the transit project, which recently saw its land acquisition and construction support budget increase by $765 million in August 2026. This expansion aims to prepare the area for light rail service, which is currently scheduled to begin in 2035.
Sound Transit is targeting 64 parcels for acquisition, including three full property purchases and one partial acquisition. The overall West Seattle Link Extension budget has been revised to $4.9 billion to $5.3 billion, following a $765 million budget increase.
The players
Sound Transit
The regional transit agency responsible for planning, building, and operating light rail, commuter rail, and bus services in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Seattle Office of Housing
The municipal department that oversees affordable housing investments and manages sites transferred from public agencies for residential development.
The details
The agency board approved the acquisition of property rights, including easements and full site purchases, to clear the path for rail construction. If private negotiations between the agency and property owners fail, Sound Transit is empowered to use eminent domain to secure the required parcels. These actions are necessary to keep the project on track for the planned 2035 service launch date.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: The Sound Transit board voted to authorize the property acquisitions.
2035: Targeted start date for light rail service to West Seattle.
The Home Front
This land acquisition process aligns with the current Sound Transit policy requiring that 80 percent of surplus property suitable for housing be offered to government or nonprofit developers. The approach follows a 2026 agency review that highlighted nearly $100 million in forgone revenue from property transfers occurring between 2016 and 2025.
Homeowners and renters in the West Seattle area should monitor official project updates to determine if their property is among the 64 identified parcels. If your residence is affected, consult with a legal professional specializing in real estate to understand your rights regarding relocation assistance and fair market compensation.
The takeaway
The West Seattle Link Extension is moving forward with a significantly increased budget as the region prepares for long-term transit expansion. Residents should keep an eye on project milestones as land acquisition continues through the coming years.
Further reading
For more on how local development projects impact neighborhood property and housing, see our guide to Residential.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 570 KVI.
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