SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
What are those poles near I-5 in Northgate?
Sep 29, 2016, 2:35 PM
In order to make way for the Northgate light rail station, crews are moving electrical line to the opposite side of I-5. (MyNorthwest)
(MyNorthwest)
Drivers heading through Northgate on I-5 have no doubt noticed the giant white poles sticking out of the ground just west of the freeway.
Those poles, according to Sound Transit, are part of the continuing work to bring light rail to the area.
According to a project update, electrical lines are being relocated to make way for construction of the Northgate Station and elevated guideway.
Work on the Northgate Station near the mall recently reached a milestone. The contractor for Sound Transit completed mining the last tunnel segment for the extension earlier this month. Cross passage construction and other work inside the tunnels continues.
Northgate visitors and commuters will begin noticing other changes as well. As early as Oct. 10 a new interim park-and-ride lot will open across the street from the Northgate Transit Center at the southeast corner of NE 100th Street and First Avenue NE. The lot, according to a Sound Transit project update, is needed to replace stalls that will be unavailable after the Northgate light rail station construction begins later in the fall.
The Sound Transit Board awarded the Northgate Station construction contract to Absher Construction Company at the end of August. The company will build the elevated station located east of First Avenue NE. It will also build the guideway, tail track, and a 450-stall parking garage for transit use.
As Sound Transit continues its march north, the campaign to encourage voters to support a $53.8-billion package to pay for more expansion in the future. Recent reports showed that big companies have given quite a bit to support the campaign. Overall, state records show Mass Transit Now has raised $2.4 million, KIRO 7 reports. On the other hand, the No on ST3 campaign has raised less than $11,000.
The $53.8-billion package that will be on the November ballot would allow Sound Transit to expand its light rail and bus rapid transit throughout three counties. It would also cost the “typical adult” an additional $169 per year — or roughly $14 per month.
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