Sound Transit Opens Public Hearings on 16-Mile Everett Link Extension as Snohomish County Crafts LRC Zones

Public Comment Period Active for 16-Mile Everett Link Light Rail Extension

SEATTLE, Washington — Advancing the final major northern segment of the regional spine, Sound Transit initiated a critical series of public hearings in October 2026 following the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Everett Link Extension. The 45-day regional public comment window, running through November 2, invites community input across Snohomish County regarding preferred alignments and station designs for the 16-mile light rail expansion connecting Lynnwood City Center to downtown Everett.

The project will deliver six passenger stations serving West Alderwood, Ash Way, Mariner, the SW Everett Industrial Center, SR 526/Evergreen, and Everett Station. Phased service is projected to reach the industrial Boeing manufacturing center by 2037, followed by full downtown Everett operations by 2041.

Snohomish County Prepares 'Light Rail Community' (LRC) Zoning Overlays

To ensure transit investments catalyze walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, Snohomish County planners advanced public review on proposed Light Rail Community (LRC) zone code amendments. The updated land-use regulations establish transit-oriented development standards surrounding future stations, encouraging high-density multifamily housing, neighborhood grocery retail, and pedestrian plazas while incorporating anti-displacement buffers for existing residents.

Civic leaders commended the proactive zoning strategy, noting that establishing transit-friendly land-use codes years before track completion ensures orderly, sustainable growth across the Puget Sound corridor.

Puget Sound Transit System Benefits from Lynnwood and Pinehurst Milestones

The northern expansion builds upon the immense popularity of the 1 Line, where recently opened stations at Lynnwood and Pinehurst (Northeast 130th Street) have drawn record regional ridership. Sound Transit and municipal leaders emphasized that completing the light rail connection between Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport, and Everett establishes an interconnected, car-free transit backbone that will sustain regional economic growth for decades.