Jeff Clark, Deputy Executive Director of Financial Operations/Controller
Sound Transit
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Publish Date
October 24, 2024
The Sound Transit Board today selected the route and station locations for the West Seattle Link Extension. This action authorizes the project to move forward into the final design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Today’s action also establishes the project definition for the NEPA Record of Decision (ROD). When the ROD is issued, the federal environmental review process will be complete, and the project can proceed. This milestone is expected in late 2024.
In conjunction with publication of the Final EIS in September, Sound Transit updated the cost estimate for the West Seattle Link Extension to between $6.7 and $7.1 billion. In response to this significant increase, the Sound Transit Board passed Motion M2024-59 directing the agency to develop a workplan to improve the agency’s financial situation and move WSLE through design to inform a financially sound project to be baselined. This workplan will include programmatic, financial, and project-level measures.
“Today marks an important milestone in delivering light rail to West Seattle,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Through the Board-directed work plan, our action today allows Sound Transit to use the design process to address cost pressures, reduce impacts, and prepare projects for construction, fulfilling our promise to the voters. I want to thank everyone who has engaged with us throughout the planning process to-date.”
The West Seattle Link Extension was approved by voters in 2016 as part of the ST3 plan. The project will extend light rail 4.1 miles and serve four new stations (at SODO, Delridge, Avalon, and the Alaska Junction) to provide fast, reliable light rail connections in the SODO, Delridge, and West Seattle neighborhoods.
Trips between Alaska Junction and Westlake stations ultimately will take only 16 minutes during peak hours – a 50% reduction from current travel times. The extension will improve overall transit service frequency, reliability, and capacity; facilitate redevelopment, including affordable housing near stations; and provide a travel alternative when the West Seattle Bridge is congested or unavailable.
“A safe, connected, and well-maintained transit system is a top priority for my administration, and Sound Transit 3 represents the largest infrastructure program in Seattle’s history. We must also match our ambitions with accountability,” said Sound Transit Board member and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “As a Board, our role is to ensure that construction impacts and rising costs do not overly burden community as we work to deliver these transformative projects. Today's approved action on the West Seattle Link Extension route and stations is a forward step in helping us meet our challenges and getting us closer to providing reliable transit for generations to come.”
The final alignment selected by the Board is the Final EIS Preferred Alternative:
The alignment selected today incorporates refinements requested by the Sound Transit Board when it identified the preferred alternative in 2022. Working with community members, the City of Seattle and King County, staff studied these project features to enhance station access, prioritize an integrated and well-designed transfer experience from buses to light rail, and address concerns over potential displacements of organizations serving low-income and communities of color.
“Today’s action gives Sound Transit the green light to move forward on West Seattle Link Extension’s final design, to study ways to contain costs, and to work further on avoiding or mitigating the impacts of this major construction project in the neighborhoods it will serve,” said Sound Transit System Expansion Committee Chair and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I remain committed to deliver the fast, frequent, and reliable transit we promised the voters as quickly and affordably as possible.”
The Board’s approved resolution included an amendment to move forward with the development and implementation of the workplan to improve the agency’s financial situation and move the West Seattle Link Extension through design. This amendment also directed the agency to continue working to reduce identified project impacts during the design phase and advancement of the workplan to achieve cost savings and to minimize community impacts in SODO and West Seattle, while continuing to provide enhanced transit integration and station access and engaging with impacted residents and businesses.
“With the West Seattle Link extension, Sound Transit is entering a new era of designing and building capital projects,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman. “As we begin to implement the workplan and address cost pressures, we will be engaging with the construction industry sooner to identify the best way to approach our projects and developing ways to create greater efficiencies once we enter construction. These innovations will not only help the WSLE project but support advancing other projects in the expansion program.”
The agency will return to the Board in the future as design progresses and to authorize construction dollars.
Visit https://westseattlelink.participate.online/ for detailed project maps and additional information.
Publish Date
October 4, 2024
Today, Sound Transit and project partners celebrated the advent of heavy construction on the Auburn Station Parking and Access Improvements project with a groundbreaking ceremony. When complete in 2027, the $69 million garage with approximately 675 stalls will serve Sounder S Line passengers and users of Sound Transit Express and King County Metro services.
Artist Samuel Obrovac, a member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, will be creating an integrated artwork for the new garage. Previously, Sound Transit added 22 new smart bicycle lockers (reservable by the hour) at Auburn Station.
“This necessary and long-anticipated project is an investment in Auburn’s future and the future of transit,” said Auburn Mayor and Sound Transit Boardmember Nancy Backus. “We need increased access to Sounder, and we need increased access to economic growth this train provides – this garage is a step in that direction.”
“Access to transit is access to opportunity, whether it be for jobs, education or other destinations,” said Sound Transit Deputy CEO Terri Mestas. “This project increases our capacity to get people where they want to go.”
Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free trip to and from Seattle. The ride, with Wi-Fi, between Auburn Station and Seattle’s King Street Station takes about 35 minutes. Weekend service is also offered for select major sporting events and concerts.
Auburn Station is also served by Sound Transit Express buses 566 and 578 and multiple King County Metro routes. Find S Line and ST Express schedule information at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/schedules-maps.
Publish Date
October 1, 2024
Today, Sound Transit and project partners celebrated the advent of heavy construction on the Kent Station Parking and Access Improvements project with a groundbreaking ceremony. When complete in 2027, the $62 million garage with 400-plus stalls will serve Sounder S Line passengers and users of Sound Transit Express and King County Metro services in Kent, which is a key mobility hub for South King County residents.
As part of the project, a bus layover facility with electric charging stations will be constructed for King County Metro. Previously, Sound Transit added 14 new smart bicycle lockers (reservable by the hour) at Kent Station. The agency also funded an improved pedestrian crossing at 2nd Avenue North and James Street. The City of Kent completed that work in 2021.
“Given the growth we are experiencing, this project will provide a needed increase in access to Sounder, the region and all the economic opportunities it contains,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “It’s great to see these investments in transit access begin to come to fruition.”
“Giving people more affordable access to regional transit benefits us all,” said Sound Transit Deputy CEO Terri Mestas. “This project helps cement Kent’s role as a regional connection to the destinations where we live, work and play.”
Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle. The trip, with Wi-Fi, from Kent Station to Seattle's King Street Station takes about 30 minutes. Weekend service is also offered for select major sporting events and concerts.
Kent Station is also served by Sound Transit Express bus 566 and multiple King County Metro routes. Find S Line and ST Express schedule information at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/schedules-maps.
September 11, 2024
Sound Transit has launched a public engagement period for the Tacoma Dome Access Improvements project. The public is being asked to help prioritize potential improvements to enhance access to existing and future transit for people walking, biking, rolling or driving to the station, which provides Sounder train, T Line and ST Express bus service and Amtrak and intercity bus service. Link light rail service to the area is currently under study. The Tacoma Dome Link Extension Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected by the end of the year or early 2025.
The online open house will provide information on potential improvements reflecting collaboration with the City of Tacoma. These include:
Interested members of the public should weigh in with the survey at this link. (website also accessible in Spanish, Khmer, Korean and Russian), where more information on the proposed improvements is available.
The Sound Transit proposals, coordinated closely with the City of Tacoma, are planned to be selected by the Sound Transit Board in 2025 and completed by 2032.
Publish Date
September 9, 2024
Sound Transit today joined the Seattle Symphony to celebrate the Link 1 line’s newly renamed Symphony Station. The new name (formerly University Street) reduces confusion with the University of Washington and U District stations by the UW campus.
The name also highlights the station’s location beneath Benaroya Hall, a regional music mecca and home to the Grammy-winning Seattle Symphony. The symphony begins its 2024-2025 season later this week.
“Renaming University Street Station to Symphony Station is a small but important change, along with the new flat fares and more affordable ORCA day pass, to make transit more intuitive and accessible for everyone," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine. "Symphony Station reflects the cultural heart of downtown Seattle and the many vibrant destinations available to riders whether they use transit to get to work, school, events, or performances."
“As the most-visited performance arts venue in Seattle, Benaroya Hall attracts thousands of people week after week to the heart of downtown to experience the Seattle Symphony in addition to a wide variety of artistic and cultural events from all parts of our diverse community. We value our strong relationship with Sound Transit, as we are all engaged in bringing people together to experience unforgettable events!” said Seattle Symphony CEO Krishna Thiagarajan.
"Seattle welcomes this harmonious moment as we introduce Symphony Station and rename University Street Station. This new station name will both make it easier for people to navigate our city and signifies our steadfast commitment to supporting a vibrant arts scene,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Symphony Station will welcome thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown and connect them to concerts, museums, our beautiful new waterfront park, and so much more. Together, let's embark on this new journey in rhythm with the spirit of transit enthusiasm and artistic appreciation that are core to our city.”
“The debut of Symphony Station, coinciding with the onset of the Seattle Symphony’s 2024-2025 season, both increases clarity for Sound Transit passengers and celebrates downtown Seattle’s cultural resources, attractions that draw riders from throughout our region and the world,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman.
More than 100,000 riders board at Symphony Station every month, and thousands pass through every day. In addition to the Seattle Symphony, Symphony Station provides access to nearby Pike Place Market, the revamped Seattle waterfront and the central business district with 1 Line connections north to Lynnwood via the University of Washington and south to the SEA airport and Angle Lake.
Publish Date
August 30, 2024
Starting today, passengers in Snohomish County and Shoreline will be able to avoid traffic congestion and use Link light rail to travel quickly and safely to downtown Seattle and SeaTac airport. The 8.5-mile extension of the 1 Line includes four stations, one at Lynnwood City Center, one at Mountlake Terrace, and two in Shoreline, as well as three new parking structures.
This is the third opening in the past year for Sound Transit. Last September, the T Line opened service to Hilltop, and in April the 2 Line opened between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Stations. The Lynnwood opening heralds the start of even more transformative expansions, with the 2 Line expanded to downtown Redmond early next year, followed by the opening of the rest of the 2 Line later in 2025 and the start of service to Federal Way in 2026.
Voters approved the Lynnwood extension in 2008 as part of the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure. The project broke ground almost five years to the day before service is beginning.
“The opening of Lynnwood light rail service is a major milestone for our region,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “For the first time, our light rail system connects two counties, bringing us closer to the vision of an integrated, high-capacity transit network for Central Puget Sound. This achievement is the result of community support, careful planning and construction, and sheer persistence. Now, it’s time for Snohomish County to hop aboard reliable, traffic-free, carbon-free Link light rail.”
“This is a historic day for Snohomish County,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “The arrival of light rail marks the start of a transformative regional transit system that will change how we get around and that will provide widespread opportunities for our residents. It’s not just that we can get off of I-5, get out of our cars and enjoy a fast and reliable trip to our destination. Light rail is also helping our environment and ensuring that our economy remains strong for generations to come.”
“As Senate Appropriations Chair, when we went to negotiate, I put my foot down to protect Capital Investment Grants funding for the Lynnwood Link Extension, and told my colleagues on the other side, ‘You will not cut this public transit funding — not on my watch.’ I always bring Washington state into the negotiating room with me, and I will go to bat for public transportation — and projects like this — again and again,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. “The reality is, we are celebrating more than new light rail service for Lynnwood, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace—we are also opening the door to a new future for these communities — one that folks have been planning for, for a long time. We are not just building public transit — we are not just connecting bus stops, and light rail stops, and lines on a map: we are connecting growing small businesses with new workers, new customers, and new opportunities. We are connecting our communities and families to each other. And we are making communities more walkable, affordable — and livable.”
“Finally, light rail reaches Snohomish County,” U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell said. “It has been a long wait, but opening the Lynnwood Link will cut travel time for riders to downtown Seattle in half and reduce the trip to Sea-Tac down to one traffic-free hour for an expected 50,000-plus daily riders.”
"You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Thanks in part to historic federal investments, Sound Transit light rail has arrived in Snohomish County, and that means more jobs and opportunity for Northwest Washington. I will continue to support bold, long-term investments in public transit like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that are building a cleaner, greener, safer, and more accessible transportation system in the Pacific Northwest.”
“FTA is proud to help bring Link light rail to Snohomish County, expanding rapid transit access for hundreds of thousands of residents,” said Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “As the Link system continues to grow, it’s now easier than ever to reach UW, downtown, Sea-Tac, and destinations all over the region. Thank you to Sound Transit and all the community partners who delivered on this monumental project.”
“The opening of the Lynnwood link extension is a tremendous step toward connecting communities and building low carbon climate-friendly transportation options for Washington’s people,” said Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “Public transportation is essential in bringing people together and boosting economic opportunities up and down the I-5 corridor. Tulalip is committed to continuing to partner with the state and regional governments to build strong communities and steward our land and resources for future generations.”
“The Northwest Washington Building and Construction Trade affiliates have been proud to be part of the Lynnwood Link project. It provides an essential service to the community, and it provided good paying jobs for the people who built it, as well as training and apprenticeship opportunities. Good things happen when labor and management partner on behalf of our communities,” said Todd Taylor, executive secretary of the Northwest Building and Construction Trades Council.
“It's hard to quantify my excitement to see the trains pull in and out of the Lynnwood City Center station, something that felt like a dream for so long,” said Sound Transit Board Member and Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell. “Lynnwood has been preparing for this milestone since the creation of our Legacy Lynnwood plan in 1993. This achievement would not have been possible without our community's incredible support, and for that, I am grateful.”
“The opening of Lynnwood Link is the biggest thing to happen in Snohomish County since the first 747 rolled out of the Boeing plant in 1967,” said State Sen. Marko Liias. “Light rail will enhance mobility, reduce congestion on critical corridors, and empower all of us to make new and different transportation choices. We have been waiting for this day for decades, I am thrilled it’s finally here.”
"Having the Lynnwood City Center Station open nearby means that other mentees will be able to come to Project Girl and get connected with other young women looking to connect with other likeminded young women,” said Logan Ruiz-Rijo and Gia Marrakesh, mentees at Project Girl, a mentoring program fostering the advancement of young women of color. “It opens new doors beyond Lynnwood and gives us a greater opportunity to explore Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region so we can go to cool new places together. It makes us feel like the world is a little bigger … more exciting and accessible."
“The opening of Lynnwood Link is a testament to the hard work of the construction teams and Sound Transit staff who have worked for years to make this project a reality,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman. “They persevered through the pandemic and a four-month concrete delivery strike to bring us to today’s celebration. Lynnwood Link’s opening also marks a transformative moment in Sound Transit’s history, as we enter Snohomish County. With the openings of the full 2 Line next year and the extension to Federal Way in 2026, we will have more than doubled the size of our system in just a few years, providing the residents of our region great options for easy, efficient travel to even more destinations.”
Stacy & Witbeck/Kiewit/Hoffman L200 JV and Skanska Constructors L300 JV executed the civil construction on the extension. Mass Electric completed the systems work, which included the overhead catenary, traction power, signaling, and communications. The $3.1 billion project budget included up to $1.17 billion from a Full Funding Grant Agreement executed by the Federal Transit Administration. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau executed a $658 million low-interest loan supporting the project, including new light rail vehicles and support facilities.
The Lynnwood extension will serve the following stations, all of them with multiple transit connections:
A fifth station at NE 130th Street in Seattle was added to the alignment as part of the ST3 ballot measure approved by voters in 2016. The new station will serve a growing residential neighborhood between the Northgate and Shoreline South/148th stations. The NE 130th Street station is scheduled to open in 2026.
Visit https://www.soundtransit.org/snocolink for maps and information about how to ride.
Publish Date
August 15, 2024
An online open house is now available to learn more about the Kent Station Parking and Access Improvements project. When complete in early 2027, a new garage at East James Street and Railroad Avenue North, and a new surface parking lot at Railroad Avenue and Smith Street, will add over 400 new parking stalls at the station to serve Sounder S Line passengers and users of Sound Transit Express and King County Metro services.
The design has changed since the last open house in 2022. Current plans now include a 4-story garage structure, two vehicle access points, a pedestrian entry with glass canopy at the southwest corner and an arrival plaza south of the garage.
Sound Transit is also building a new bus layover space for King County Metro along Railroad Avenue North. It will be east of the new garage where a passenger parking lot is now. The facility will have space for 10+ buses, infrastructure for zero-emission charging and a rest area for bus drivers.
Previously, Sound Transit added 14 new smart bicycle lockers (reservable by the hour) at Kent Station. The agency also funded an improved pedestrian crossing at 2nd Avenue North and James Street. The improvements include a crosswalk, raised median, flashing beacon and ramps. The city of Kent completed that work in 2021.
The online open house provides information on the garage design, with renderings (subject to refinement or change), and potential construction impacts.
Additionally, in-person information is available:
Sound Transit’s Sounder S Line train service gives South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle. The trip, with Wi-Fi, from Kent Station to Seattle’s King Street Station takes about 30 minutes.
Today, Sound Transit and project partners celebrated the advent of heavy construction on the Sumner Parking Access Improvement project with a groundbreaking ceremony. When complete in 2026, the $49 million garage will serve Sounder S Line passengers and users of Sound Transit Express services. The 600-stall garage will provide approximately 500 net new parking spaces at the station. Currently, the existing parking at Sumner Station is routinely full very early in the morning.
“This project will provide increased access to Sounder, increased access to the region, and increased access to economic opportunity,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Fife Mayor Kim Roscoe. “As a Sound Transit Board Member from the South Sound and as a resident of Pierce County, it’s great to see our region’s investments in a robust transit system moving forward.”
“Given that Sumner was the first station to bounce back to 100% capacity after the pandemic, we know what a priority this project is for the community. Giving people more access to regional transit, and more options to travel, benefits us all,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman.
Previously, Sound Transit contributed $7.5 million for pedestrian, bicycle, lighting and ADA improvements to the Sumner station area. That work was performed by the city of Sumner.
Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives Pierce County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle. The trip, with Wi-Fi, from Sumner Station to Seattle's King Street Station takes about 40 minutes. Weekend service is also offered for select major sporting events.
Sumner Station is also served by Sound Transit Express buses 578 and 596. Find S Line and ST Express schedule information here.
Sound Transit invites the public to learn more about potential options to restore some ST Express service in the South Corridor in 2025 and provide feedback on Phase One of the Service Plan.
As part of the service change in March 2024, Sound Transit reduced service on specific ST Express routes in the South Corridor due to industry-wide workforce challenges related to the pandemic that affected Sound Transit’s operating partner Pierce Transit.
The agency is committed to equitable restoration of ST Express service once staffing levels allow. We are working with operating partners to determine if we can restore the recent reductions subject to current operating constraints and staffing levels and are seeking public input about service restoration priorities.
However, if restoration is unachievable, Sound Transit will request Board authorization for continued service reductions.
In addition, Phase One of the 2025 Service Plan will include the opening of 2 Line service to Downtown Redmond. This extension will begin operating in the spring, with new stations at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond. Trains will run between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue every 10 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. seven days a week. ST Express Eastside bus service will not change in 2025.
The public can learn about the 2025 Service Plan – Phase One at soundtransit.org/2025serviceplan.
The website includes an online survey for visitors to provide feedback. Both the website and survey are also available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Tagalog and Russian.
The website is available now through August 26.
Sound Transit remains committed to working closely with its partners to continue serving the public. Efforts will continue to prioritize serving riders who depend on Sound Transit’s services, including seniors, people with disabilities, Title VI protected populations (race, color, national origin), low-income and limited-English-proficiency populations.
Just two months ahead of the opening of the Lynnwood Link Extension on Aug. 30, Lynnwood City Center Station has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification is for the entire station campus, including the station, parking garage and public plaza areas. LEED certification provides independent verification of sustainable design and is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
"This LEED Gold certification for Lynnwood City Center Station is a significant milestone, exemplifying our commitment to sustainability," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine. "It sets a high standard for future stations and serves as a powerful reminder that the environmental benefits of light rail extend far beyond the transit system itself."
"This achievement is the result of the hard work and shared vision of the construction team, engineers, designers and Sound Transit staff who collaborated on the Lynnwood station," said Terri Mestas, Sound Transit’s Deputy CEO for Mega Capital Project Delivery. "They fulfilled Sound Transit’s commitment to creating a sustainable campus that will serve as a model for future LEED certification of other new Sound Transit stations and that will become a new standard throughout the system."
Key members of the design team were LMN as station architects, HNTB as lead engineers, and O’Brien 360 for sustainability certification. Skanska Constructors L300 JV did the civil construction for the project.
The certification recognized several areas of achievement, including the quality of the transit connections at the station, protection of habitat including restoration of Scriber Creek, energy efficiency of lighting and mechanical systems, and diversion of construction waste.
Specific achievements include the following:
Lynnwood City Center Station is the terminus of the Lynnwood Link Extension. The elevated station is served by a five-story, 1,670-space parking garage, which opened last year, and the Lynnwood Transit Center bus exchange which is expected to have 9,500 passenger boardings daily.
The other stations on the Lynnwood extension are:
The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) has awarded Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension an Envision Platinum Award for sustainable infrastructure for going above and beyond to deliver improvements to the social, economic and environmental conditions of its community.
The Federal Way Link Extension is both the second Sound Transit project and the second transit project in the Pacific Northwest to receive verification by ISI, and only the seventh Envision Platinum-rated transit project in the nation. Envision is an internationally recognized rating system for sustainable infrastructure projects. This award is issued following a comprehensive independent peer-review process conducted and overseen by ISI that verified the project accomplishments. The evaluation assessed the project’s performance across 64 sustainability criteria addressing a wide range of indicators including: community, quality of life, management, planning, materials, energy, water, environmental impacts, emissions and resilience.
The design-build contract for FWLE stipulated the need for the project to attain at least an Envision Gold award level. Through the combined efforts of the Sound Transit project team and sustainability group and Parsons, the project’s lead design team, and design-build contractor Kiewit, platinum was achieved.
“We are honored to present the Envision Platinum award to the Federal Way Link Extension project, recognizing its outstanding commitment to sustainability, equity and resilience,” said Kristi Wamstad, ISI’s Verification Director. “This achievement underscores the project team's dedication to creating a transit system that prioritizes environmental stewardship and social equity while meeting the needs of the community.”
“This award is a testament to Sound Transit’s long and deep commitment to sustainability and to the high levels of collaboration achieved with our project partners during challenging times,” said Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Goran Sparrman. “We are proud of this achievement and look forward to many more sustainability milestones as we build public transit that connects our region to the places we live and work.”
“As a global leader in infrastructure, Parsons is transforming the rail and transit sector by providing innovative, tailored solutions that modernize transportation systems and deliver long-lasting, sustainable benefits to our clients,” said Mark Fialkowski, president, Infrastructure North America for Parsons. “Our contribution to the Federal Way Extension project represents Parsons’ combined engineering expertise and enterprise-wide commitment to sustainability. We are honored to be part of the team that achieved this award by creating a lasting, valuable public asset for the region and community.”
“Kiewit is proud to be the design-build contractor for Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension, a project that showcases innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Strong partnerships, particularly with the community, are essential to our success,” said Kiewit Corporation Executive Vice President Doug Glaser. “We would not be able to accomplish what we did without the remarkable people we had on the team, including the 400 local union tradespeople and the 200 subcontractors and suppliers who came together with our construction and engineering staff to achieve a common goal.”
Set to open in 2026, the Federal Way Link Extension extends light rail from Angle Lake Station in the city of SeaTac to downtown Federal Way. The 7.8-mile extension includes three stations: Kent Des Moines near Highline College, Star Lake at South 272nd Street and Federal Way Downtown. More information about the project is can be found on the Federal Way Link Extension page.
In 2022, the Downtown Redmond Link Extension was the first Sound Transit project to complete Envision verification and received Envision Platinum. Sound Transit anticipates pursuing Envision verification for all its future light rail expansion projects.
Learn more about Sound Transit’s commitment to sustainability.
Sound Transit today announced that Terri Mestas has been appointed as deputy CEO for megaproject delivery, a new position created to lead the development of the agency’s concurrent projects quickly and effectively and bring forth ways to accelerate project timelines and reduce capital expenditures. Sound Transit currently has the largest transit expansion program in the country, including ST3 capital projects totaling an estimated $54 billion. Mestas will start in her new position on April 29.
“The next phase of Sound Transit’s expansion is categorically different than what the agency has done before, which is why the Board sought an experienced leader to deliver on our commitment to voters,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “With her background as a leader of large, complex infrastructure programs, Ms. Mestas brings the depth of experience and expertise that the agency needs to set the nation’s largest capital expansion project on a fresh path to success.”
“With the opening of the Lynnwood Link Extension just months away, we are even more focused on extending light rail to Everett,” said Sound Transit Vice Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “The Everett Link Extension will be the longest extension that Sound Transit will have ever undertaken and will be vital for enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for Snohomish County residents. I’m pleased that Ms. Mestas will bring her wealth of experience to oversee this complex project, as well as all the ST3 projects.”
“Since before ST3’s approval in 2016, it’s been clear that voters want Sound Transit to build capital projects faster. Hiring a deputy CEO of megaproject delivery represents a critical next step in delivering transformative transit for our region,” said Sound Transit System Expansion Committee Chair and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “By implementing a key recommendation of the Technical Advisory Group, today’s announcement is a huge step forward to accelerate project delivery. We’re fortunate that Ms. Mestas is willing to bring her incredible experience to take on this challenge. I look forward to collaborating with her and her team to execute on that commitment to build fast, frequent, reliable transit for the people of Central Puget Sound.”
“It is absolutely essential that a culture of accountability and delivery is instilled at Sound Transit, especially while managing the largest transit megaproject in the nation,” said Sound Transit Board Member and Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. “That’s why I’m excited we have brought on Terri Mestas as Sound Transit’s first deputy CEO of megaproject delivery. Our communities have been paying taxes for decades and we have to make sure we are delivering for the entire region – including Pierce County. A leader like Terri is critical to accomplishing this.”
“Sound Transit’s capital program needs a strong leader who understands and can manage complex, multibillion dollar programs,” said Grace Crunican, chair of the Technical Advisory Group, or TAG. “TAG members were part of the selection process and believe Ms. Mestas is the right choice to deliver this program.”
“I’m excited to be joining Sound Transit at this critical juncture in its transformative capital program,” said Mestas. “The hard work and dedication of the talented staff have been essential to the program’s success to date, and I look forward to working with them in taking the program to the next level in achieving the goals that voters have entrusted to us.”
Mestas is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience leading large, complex infrastructure programs for space exploration, military installations, national and international antiterrorism physical security, and innovative project delivery for the aviation industry. Most recently, she was the chief development officer for the Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) $30 billion capital improvement program, the largest aviation capital improvement program in the nation.
Prior to her executive leadership role at LAWA, Mestas held several positions for AECOM supporting public and private organizations. Mestas led the capital improvement program at NASA’s Ames Research Center, which includes Moffett Federal Airfield, a joint civilian-military airport. She also held the position of senior director for capital projects, modernization, planning, design and construction at The California Institute of Technology, where she oversaw the development of one-of-a-kind research facilities. Mestas earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Catholic University of America’s School of Architecture and Planning.
Sound Transit builds and operates regional transit services for growing urban areas of Washington’s Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties. The region is home to more than 50 cities and more than 40 percent of the state’s residents, who have authorized the most ambitious transit expansions in the nation. Next month, Sound Transit will open the light rail extension from South Bellevue to Redmond Technology Center and later this year to Lynnwood.
The Sound Transit Board of Directors today approved the one-year appointment of Goran Sparrman as the agency’s interim CEO.
"In the next nine months, we will expand Link light rail at a scale never before seen at the agency, and we’re excited to have Goran’s skillset and background leading the way," said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "This is ambitious, exciting and, of course, daunting. The Board believes in Goran’s ability to lead the agency through this transformative period of growth while continuing to focus on delivering reliable, frequent, and safe transit service for all our passengers."
"I am looking forward to joining with the dedicated professionals at Sound Transit to celebrate the upcoming successes and tackle the challenges ahead," said Sparrman. "By working together creatively and efficiently, I am confident that we will be able to deliver for the residents of our region."
Sparrman’s first day at the agency will be Jan. 13. Departing CEO Julie Timm’s last day at the agency is Jan. 12. Timm announced her resignation last month in order to return to the East Coast to take care of family matters.
Sound Transit builds and operates regional transit services for growing urban areas of Washington’s Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties. The region is home to more than 50 cities and more than 40 percent of the state’s residents, who have authorized the most ambitious transit expansions in the nation. This year, Sound Transit will open light rail extensions to Lynnwood and from South Bellevue to Redmond Technology Center. The system is the first nationally to operate entirely on carbon-free electricity.
The Sound Transit Board of Directors today announced that they will be considering a one-year appointment of Goran Sparrman as the agency’s interim CEO at a special meeting of the Board on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
"With his extensive public and private sector experience in Puget Sound region transportation planning and operations, and familiarity with Sound Transit, Goran will bring a unique skillset to help the board and staff drive the agency forward," said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Goran will be able to quickly step into leadership of the staff and seize the opportunities of the two new rail extensions opening this year, while continuing development of the largest transit expansion in the nation, to ensure Sound Transit’s success."
"Goran is well-respected for his skill and knowledge in transportation and infrastructure projects," said Sound Transit Vice Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. "He’s a trusted regional leader who would bring a steady hand to an agency with which he is already familiar."
"In my years of experience working with Sound Transit, I know the staff to be dedicated professionals committed to building and operating the transit system our region deserves," Sparrman said. "I’m looking forward to collaborating with them as we build on the successes that are coming this year and look for solutions for the challenges that lie ahead."
Sparrman would bring more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sector to the interim CEO role. His most recent position has been as business development officer and vice president at HNTB Corporation, a major infrastructure firm.
Prior to joining HNTB, from 2011 to 2014 Sparrman served as the deputy director and interim director of the Seattle Department of Transportation, where he led planning, design, building, maintenance, and operations of Seattle’s transportation infrastructure. He was also Director of the City of Bellevue Transportation Department for 12 years, where he worked closely with Sound Transit on the planning for the East Link Extension.
Sparrman is a licensed professional engineer in Washington and holds the equivalent of both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sound Transit builds and operates regional transit services for growing urban areas of Washington’s Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties. The region is home to more than 50 cities and more than 40 percent of the state’s residents, who have authorized the most ambitious transit expansions in the nation. This year, Sound Transit will open light rail extensions to Lynnwood and from South Bellevue to Redmond Technology Center. The system is the first nationally to operate entirely on carbon-free electricity.
Moody’s Investor Service has affirmed its “Aaa” ratings for Sound Transit’s first lien “Prior Bonds,”— the highest possible for tax-backed bonds—as well as its “Aa1” rating on second lien “Parity Bonds.” The bond ratings affect approximately $1.9 billion in debt.
“The affirmation of these bond ratings is a vote of confidence in the strong financial stability of Sound Transit,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “These ratings save taxpayers money and underscore why good stewardship of public funds is our guiding principle.”
“These bond ratings are a particularly encouraging endorsement of Sound Transit’s ongoing fiscal strategies given the financial challenges currently faced by transit agencies across the country,” said Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm. “The agency is demonstrating that it has the structure and policies in place to weather the headwinds that transit as a whole faces in this country.”
Moody’s based the ratings on Sound Transit’s robust debt service coverage by pledged revenues as well as the size and strength of the service area's economy from which the pledged revenue is generated. The ratings also incorporate the overall growth trend of pledged revenues with manageable historical volatility, the bonding programs' adequate legal provisions, and the authority's very large capital expansion plan that could entail significant additional borrowings over the longer-term. The ratings also consider demonstrated voter support for Sound Transit's transportation programs and the agency’s strong management.
Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm announced today she will be leaving the agency in order to return to the East Coast to take care of family matters. Since joining Sound Transit in September 2022, Timm has overseen a renewed emphasis on the rider experience as Sound Transit approaches the opening of several new extensions, starting with East Link next spring. Her focus and leadership in centering current and future riders in the agency’s capital and operating programs will benefit the region for years to come.
Timm’s last day with Sound Transit will be January 12th.
The board and staff leadership will form a transition team to navigate the agency through the leadership transition. The board is expected to appoint an interim CEO in the weeks ahead.
The Sound Transit Board has awarded a design-build contract for the Kent Station parking garage to Absher Construction of Puyallup. When complete in 2027, the $62.5 million project will include a new structured parking facility, additional surface parking and other associated access improvements which will serve Sounder S Line, Sound Transit Express, and King County Metro passengers. The project will provide more than 400 new parking spaces at the station as well as pedestrian, bicycle, and wayfinding upgrades.
The Sound Transit Board also approved a $9 million agreement with King County Metro for a new bus layover facility, zero emissions bus charging infrastructure and other support facilities for transit operations and bus operators. Delivery of this bus layover facility will make it possible for King County Metro to provide additional transit service in the city of Kent and South King County, increasing local transit connections to high-capacity transit and supporting increased mobility, access, and ridership between Sounder, Sound Transit Express, and Metro bus service.
Businesses and residents in the vicinity of Kent Station can expect more information about project progress and impacts before construction begins next year.
Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle. The trip, with Wi-Fi, between Kent Station and Seattle's King Street Station takes about 30 minutes. Weekend service is also offered for select major sporting events.
Kent Station is also served by Sound Transit Express bus 566 and seven King County Metro routes. View our schedules page to find S Line and ST Express schedule information.
Sound Transit is currently conducting a survey about the future of Sounder S Line service. The survey is available through October 29.
The Sound Transit Finance and Audit Committee will convene a special meeting on Friday, Sept. 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
At the meeting, the committee will discuss potential updates to the Procurement, Agreements, and Delegated Authority Policy.
The meeting will take place both in person in the Ruth Fisher Boardroom at 401 S. Jackson Street in Seattle, WA and as a video and telephone conference. The boardroom will be open at 12:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the meeting start time. Information on how to participate in public comment, or watch or listen to the meeting through Webex and can be found at the link below:
https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/calendar/finance-audit-committee-special-meeting-2023-09-08
The Ruth Fisher Boardroom is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities or to receive information in alternative formats please call 1-800-201-4900, TTY Relay 711 or e-mail accessibility@soundtransit.org.
The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that its Build America Bureau has provided low-interest loans totaling $327 million to the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) for improvements to the transit system. By providing Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) Loans. The Bureau helps communities expedite infrastructure projects and reduce project costs.
“DOT's $327 million in loans to support Sound Transit’s light and commuter rail lines supports an alternative to car travel on congested roadways and improve connections to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “Construction of these three new projects will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.”
The TIFIA and RRIF loans will finance three projects:
“Sound Transit is our largest borrower, now at $4.17 billion,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “They are leveraging low-interest financing to build critical projects that will benefit passengers for years to come.”
Sound Transit estimates the loans will save $245 million through 2046, when the agency's voter-approved expansion plan is expected to be completed, and a total of $445 million over the entire life of the three loans.
“Strong partnership with the federal government is crucial to our success, and these loans signal a shared commitment to reinvest in the nation’s infrastructure and help us build the transit network our region needs,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We thank USDOT and our congressional delegation for investing in residents’ future.”
The Build America Bureau advances investment in transportation infrastructure by lending Federal funds to qualified borrowers; clearing roadblocks for credit worthy projects; and encouraging best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and operations. The Bureau draws on expertise across DOT to serve as the point of coordination for states, municipalities, private partners, and other project sponsors seeking Federal financing.
To date, the DOT has closed more than $38.9 billion under TIFIA financing program, supporting more than $133 billion in infrastructure investment across the country and $7.6 billion under RRIF program.
