Sound Transit estimates that removing construction spoils and bringing in concrete and equipment could result in hundreds of round trips by trucks each day. In addition to being cheaper than trucking, barging would minimize the impacts on the university neighborhood, one of the most congested corridors in the state, Chandler says. The noise and dust from so many trucks concerns us, and adding the vibrations from trucks creates huge impacts for scientists who research and teach and care for patients in our community. So much truck traffic also would increase the wear and tear on the district's streets. Sound Transit is working to secure the necessary permits in order to use barges, but concerns over fish habitat will not make that an easy permit to obtain.
Security is a major concern for the university community.
Because of the depth of the stations, Sound Transit proposes elevator-only access. This introduces unique security concerns, and details of a security plan are eagerly awaited. This potential impact has not been addressed in Sound Transit's analysis. We are partners with the city and with Sound Transit in helping to build the best system possible.