Sound Transit has started conceptual engineering and environmental review on building a new $65 million parking garage in Kent for Sounder train commuters.
Sound Transit staff will evaluate site conditions and refine configuration of the garage and non-motorized improvements. The new garage will be built at East James Street and Railroad Avenue North and add about 500 parking spaces as well as improved pedestrian and bicycle access.
Sound Transit, in coordination with the city of Kent, is also preparing an environmental evaluation document, which analyzes potential impacts to the community and environment, and identifies proposed mitigation to address and reduce potential impacts. The environmental document is anticipated to be available for public review and comment in early 2019, according to a Sound Transit project update. The Sound Transit Board picked the preferred site in November.
After review of the design, technical data, environmental information and public comments, the Sound Transit Board will select the project to be built, and will advance design. Construction on the garage is expected to start in 2021 and be completed in 2023, according to transit documents.
Related access options
Sound Transit is building a second garage because the existing Kent Station garage often fills up early. Staff asks commuters to consider these options to get to the station:
• Reserved carpool parking: Sound Transit offers carpool parking permits to groups of two or more commuters who regularly drive together to catch the bus or train. Permits give you access to priority parking areas during the weekday morning rush hour. For more information, visit Sound Transit’s carpool permit webpage. A permit program for solo drivers is being considered; stay tuned for more information.
• Bicycle parking: Ever considered bicycling to the Sounder station? May is Bike Month, and a great time to try cycling. While bicycles are allowed on Sounder trains, the agency encourages bicycling riders to take advantage of the bike parking available at all Sounder stations.
• King County Metro James Street Park and Ride: This King County Metro park and ride is about one-half mile west of the Sounder station (at 902 W. James St.), and is typically only one-third full. Several Metro bus routes (150, 158, 159, 166, and 180) pick up here and connect to the Sounder station.
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