Project Timeline Faqs printable pdf download

PROJECT TIMELINE FAQs

APRIL 2016

Sound Transit is currently focusing on opportunities to improve on the draft plan by

speeding up project timelines where feasible. If jurisdictions and other partners come

together to work closely with Sound Transit we can deliver projects quicker.

The ST3 Draft Plan delivers a constant succession of major projects across 25 years. The

timelines in the plan reflect Sound Transit’s real-world experience that planning and

building major takes 12-17 years, and longer for more complex underground work. A factor

influencing the timeline of some projects is the fact a 25-year package is necessary for the

affordability of all the projects, with some projects coming toward the end.

Why do light rail projects take so long to build?

Sound Transit has heard loud and clear strong interest from around the region for shortening

project timelines where feasible, and is exploring options for schedule savings. Major

infrastructure projects require significant time to plan, design and build. Variables can include

lengthy environmental review and coordination with local jurisdictions. The Puget Sound region’s

high level of existing development and its challenging geography and geology further adds to

project complexity and timelines.

Due to these factors, planning and building major light rail projects typically takes 12-17 years, and

longer for projects that are particularly complex due to design, construction and permitting

challenges, such as the extensive underground construction through downtown Seattle for

extending light rail to Ballard.

How can Sound Transit potentially speed up projects?

There is very strong potential for close collaboration with local jurisdictions to streamline the

planning, permitting and approval timeline for projects. Early and ongoing community

engagement prevents time delays later in the schedule. Sound Transit is exploring potential time

savings of combining multiple environmental studies together rather than doing that work

sequentially, as well as expediting procurement processes to facilitate earlier start times.

Given that cash flow constraints can limit the speed of project delivery, Sound Transit will research

other financing tools and funding partnerships that might be available to the agency, including

work with local and state governments as well as with the private sector. Work to speed up

projects and save money will continue throughout every phase of project delivery. The project

dates in the final measure should be considered targets that Sound Transit will constantly work to

beat.

Finally, Sound Transit will pursue alternative delivery mechanisms, such as Public-Private

Partnership and Design Build to determine what impact these might have on the construction

timelines.

Project Timeline Faqs