New Link light rail hub could be built in International District

A Seattle City Council committee will tackle how to incorporate the new Ballard and West Seattle Link light rail expansion into the existing light rail line.

The station could become a hub connecting the hotly anticipated lines, including a new Bellevue line, but the current station could not handle the additional rail traffic.

Sound Transit is currently studying several different plans on where to possibly build an expansion hub.

Plans could have the hub under Fourth or Fifth avenues, but construction would disrupt tens of thousands of drivers a day, as well numerous businesses.

After construction for the First Hill streetcar, neighbors in the International District have been vocal about the disruptive effects of such work.

Another plan explores the SoDo station as a hub.

At a meeting Thursday, Sound Transit will get input from City Council members on which options it should continue to study.

The public will have a chance in the future to weigh in on the plans as well.

See a Sound Transit presentation that will be reviewed at the City Council meeting at this link.