Link Light Rail presentation: Jonathan Jackson and Mike Williams, Sound Transit (ST)
On the stretch of Link Light Rail from downtown Seattle to Tukwila, the project is at the 90% design phase for the entire segment, and two of the five stations are defined.
The SODO, Duwamish, and Beacon Hill station areas involve joint usage of the downtown tunnels by buses and light rail.
A bike path will be constructed from Royal Brougham to Forest Streets, along the 5th Avenue busway. Royal Brougham Station is defined but construction is not complete.
Station Design
Lander Street Station, which is fully designed, will be a side-platform station. Pedestrian traffic here is expected to come primarily from the 10,000 people employed in this area, and ST projects that the majority will travel on Lander and cross the bus/transitway. Therefore ST will put in place rumble strips to mark the transition to the station, and work closely with the city concerning handicapped user issues at all of the pertinent crossings. Pedestrian islands will be built between the bus and transit way.
The Link train becomes elevated on Forest, then tunnels to Beacon Hill. The Lander St. & Beacon Ave. station will be an "activity plaza." There are currently two Metro stops at this location, and ST has programmed a new signal at Lander, which will be up to the city to activate. There is potential for transit-oriented development on the square block around this site.
Potential for cooperation between ST and Monorail at this station area was acknowledged.
McClellan St. Station, unlike the rest of the at-grade stations, will be above-grade and accessible by both stairs and escalators.
A large, signalized congregation area is planned at the cross walk that will connect the bus facility to the Link facility. ST expects pedestrians to us the covered walkway on Forest St. to access the station on rainy days; otherwise pedestrians will probably cross directly to the plaza, where there is potential for a restaurant and other amenities due to ST's purchase of the gas station rights on that land.
The Edmunds St. Station has two plazas, and planned amenities include spaces for art, congregation, bike storage, phones, vendors, safe lighting, and a neighborhood kiosk. These amenities are similar to those at other stations.
Myrtle Plaza & Othello Plaza make up another dual platform-dual entry station. Othello Plaza is expected to house a paratransit shelter, as it will be closest to the head of the train.
Henderson will be a center-plaza station. Currently a vegetable cart occupies that space, and provisions will be made to accommodate this and other amenities at this station. There is a great possibility for the expansion of bicycle amenities here.
Pedestrian Crossings
ST plans to use "z-crossings" at intersections where the Link trains are at-grade. Marked crossings on either side of the train will be offset; railings will be placed around the island; and pedestrian waiting areas with enough room for wheelchairs to make a full turn will be put in place. A six inch curb will separate cars and rail. Bells, waiting area signs, and mast arm signs (for cars) will signal an oncoming train.
There will be ten pedestrian-only crossings, and 31 signalized intersections in the Rainier Valley associated with Link Light Rail.
Safety
For the last three years, ST has been working in schools near the Link route to educate students on safety and conduct. Safety brochures are available concerning construction and operation, and meetings have been held as a part of a disabilities program.
Platforms and plazas have been designed to eliminate blind spots from columns and trees. Security cameras will instantly focus on the public phones when they come into use.
For more information on signage and wayfinding, it was suggested that the board contact Lana Nelson and Linda Smith at ST.
