Sound Transit reveals major progress on Federal Way Link expansion

In a recent government meeting, representatives from Sound Transit provided an update on the Federal Way Link Extension Project, highlighting significant progress and future developments. The project, which spans 7.8 miles and includes three stations and parking garages, is currently 92% complete and is expected to open for revenue service in 2026.

Katie Drewel, Sound Transit’s Director of Government Relations for South King County, and Lyneth Riley Hall, Executive Project Director for the extension, detailed the construction status of the three stations: Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. Each station will feature parking facilities, with the Kent Des Moines Station offering 500 stalls and Star Lake Station providing 1,100 stalls. The construction of a bus loop at Federal Way Downtown is also on track for completion by spring 2025, facilitating easy transfers between bus and rail services.

The meeting also addressed challenges faced during construction, particularly unexpected soil conditions that necessitated a redesign of the guideway at Structure C. Despite these setbacks, the team reported that concrete work has been completed, and testing of light rail vehicles is set to begin soon.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a partnership with Mercy Housing Northwest, which will develop over 200 units of affordable housing near the Kent Des Moines Station. This initiative aims to provide housing options for families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income.

Council members raised questions regarding the timeline for opening the Kent Des Moines Station ahead of the other two stations. However, Sound Transit officials clarified that doing so could delay the overall project, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated completion to meet regional transportation needs, particularly with the World Cup scheduled for 2026.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between Sound Transit, local governments, and community partners, showcasing a commitment to enhancing public transit and supporting affordable housing initiatives in the region.