Sound Transit’s Federal Way light-rail extension gets physical connection to existing network

April 7, 2022

The installation of girders at Angle Lake connects the infrastructure of the under-construction extension with the networks existing 1 Line.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Three 124-foot girders were installed in early April, providing a physical link between Sound Transit's existing 1 Line and the new Federal Way Extension at Angle Lake Station.

With eyes toward the start of service in 2024, crews made a meaningful connection on the Sound Transit Federal Way light-rail extension with the installation of three 124-foot girders at Angle Lake that mark a physical connection between the extension and the existing 1 Line.

"Up and down I-5 and at our current southern terminus at Angle Lake, everyone can see that the dream is becoming real," said Sound Transit Board Chair and University Place Councilmember Kent Keel. "After we bring light rail to Federal Way, next up we’ll build fast, efficient light-rail service all the way to the Tacoma Dome."

The 7.8-mile Federal Way light-rail extension will feature three new stations serving Des Moines, Kent and Federal Way. Sound Transit held a virtual groundbreaking for the extension in July 2020 with heavy civil construction getting underway in October of that same year.

"It is exciting to see this new line taking shape and connecting into the existing line. This is another big step for connecting South King County residents to stations across the whole region," said Sound Transit Board member and King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove.

Kiewit Infrastructure West is the design/build contractor for the Federal Way Link Extension. The $3.1-billion project budget includes up to $790 million from a Full Funding grant agreement executed by the Federal Transit Administration. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Build America Bureau executed a $629.5-million low-interest loan supporting the project.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.