The Sound Transit Board of Directors today recommended a tentative alignment for the North Link extension of Central Link light rail, drawing praise from Sound Transit Board Member and Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips for the move to connect people with job centers on First Hill, Montlake, and the University District.

“I am pleased we have developed a route that places light rail stops on First Hill and at Montlake, connecting people with the jobs at the hospitals on First Hill and at the University Medical Center, as well as helping move game-day fans in and out of Husky Stadium,” said Phillips, one of the new members of the Sound Transit Board. “This brings us one step closer to our goal of a high-capacity transportation alternative that relieves congestion through King County’s major urban corridor. It also allows for time to carefully consider engineering studies and other issues along this alignment.”

Today’s consensus will be considered as a formal resolution at the next Board meeting on May 20. The preferred route is contingent upon the completion of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

“When I joined the Sound Transit Board, I spoke about the role Sound Transit will play in reshaping both regional transportation and regional growth,” said Phillips. “As the North Link is connected to the Tukwila-to-Downtown Seattle segment, we will have linked our urban centers with high capacity transit. This will encourage density and transit and pedestrian friendly development to concentrate around rail lines.”

Sound Transit is a three-county regional transit authority that is bringing regional bus service, commuter rail and light rail to King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. Sound Transit is governed by an 18-member board, consisting of 17 local elected officials and the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation.