Ballard light rail is arguably the biggest development project planned for the neighborhood since the construction of the Ballard Locks and the Ballard Bridge. And now Sound Transit is ready to start gathering neighborhood input.

The first “open house” is set for Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Leif Erikson Lodge. Sound Transit says it will “introduce you to the project team, share information, answer your questions, and get your input on the project.”

Sound Transit has also scheduled the first Ballard-West Seattle light rail advisory group meeting.

It may seem like an eternity before light rail is in place — Sound Transit estimates the Ballard route will be operational in 2035 — but this is a very formative stage in the project’s development. As we’ve reported, it will involve a new movable bridge over Salmon Bay as well as elevated track and an elevated station — and new tunnels in South Lake and downtown.

We’ll keep you updated…