Bridging Communities with Rail: The Federal Way Link Extension and a Vision in Motion

As cities expand, public transportation is becoming a powerful catalyst for innovation and sustainability﷟. Across the U.S., rail systems are being reimagined with smart technologies, federal investment, and expert engineering. One standout example is Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension, a transformative project in Washington State set to open on December 6, 2025.

Expanding Access: A National Example of Regional Transit Innovation

The Federal Way Link Extension is a major expansion of the Seattle metropolitan area’s light rail system, adding nearly 8 miles of new track and three stations to improve connectivity between suburban communities and urban centers. While the project is local to Washington State, its impact and approach offer a model for transit innovation nationwide.

Once completed in December 2025, the extension will:

• Provide fast, reliable service between residential areas and key destinations like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Downtown Seattle
• Support multimodal travel by integrating with regional bus networks and park-and-ride facilities
• Add over 3,200 parking spaces and pedestrian-friendly station designs to encourage transit use
• Serve an estimated 29,000 to 34,000 daily riders, helping reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions

This project demonstrates how strategic transit investments can enhance mobility, reduce reliance on cars, and connect communities—lessons that apply to cities across North America facing similar growth and sustainability challenges.

Engineering Oversight That Drives Success

Since 2018, we have played a pivotal role in the Federal Way Link Extension, providing comprehensive project oversight services. Our involvement spans:

• Resident engineering
• Construction and engineering management
• Project controls and scheduling
• Change management and technical support
• Inspection and quality assurance

By embedding with Sound Transit and co-locating with the design-build contractor, we ensured seamless collaboration and rapid problem-solving. A notable example occurred in July 2022, when a 200-foot embankment supporting I-5 slid downslope. Our team swiftly developed a stabilization plan using quarry spalls and oversaw the construction of a 500-foot bridge to ensure long-term safety.

Technology and Sustainability in Motion

Projects like this are powered by advanced tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies enable predictive maintenance, smart scheduling, and collaborative design, reducing costs and improving safety.

Sustainability is also central. The Federal Way Link Extension incorporates energy-efficient systems and infrastructure designed to support zero-emission transit options in the future.

Changing Perceptions and Expanding Access

Across the U.S., public rail is shedding its outdated image. Modern transit projects are increasingly defined by smart design, real-time data, and seamless integration with other modes of transportation. The Federal Way Link Extension is a clear example of this shift.

Beyond expanding service, the project emphasizes accessibility and community connection. One notable feature is a newly designed pedestrian corridor that links a station to a nearby college campus—an approach that reflects a growing trend in transit planning: designing infrastructure that supports walkability, education access, and neighborhood vitality.

For cities exploring how to make transit more relevant and inclusive, this project offers a blueprint. It shows how rail systems can be more than just a means of travel; they can be catalysts for community development and improved access to urban mobility for all.

A Model for the Future

The Federal Way Link Extension exemplifies how federal investment, regional leadership, and expert oversight can converge to deliver transformative infrastructure. Our contributions reflect the value of deep engineering expertise in navigating complex challenges and delivering resilient, future-ready transit systems.

As we enter the Infrastructure Decade, projects like this are not just about moving people. They’re about connecting communities, reducing emissions, and building a smarter, more connected, and forward-looking future.