HNTB, Sound Transit Celebrate Opening of Lynnwood Link Extension
Now called the “1 Line to Lynnwood,” the line connects Northgate Station to Lynnwood Transit Center and marks the first light rail extension to Snohomish County, Wash.
Sound Transit's extensive, multi-year project, incorporating four new light rail stations, three parking garages, and 8.5 miles of track, is the culmination of innovative design and a collaborative partnership.
Photo: Sound Transit
2 min to read
HNTB is celebrating a significant milestone in Seattle’s regional transit development with the completion of Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link Extension.
Now called the “1 Line to Lynnwood,” the line connects Northgate Station to Lynnwood Transit Center and marks the first light rail extension to Snohomish County, Wash.
Ad Loading...
The extensive, multi-year project, incorporating four new light rail stations, three parking garages, and 8.5 miles of track, is the culmination of innovative design and a collaborative partnership.
HNTB served as project manager on all engineering and architectural aspects of the project design and construction support.
Photo: Sound Transit
1 Line to Lynwood
The grand opening ceremonies kicked off Aug. 30, with a ribbon cutting at the Lynnwood City Center Station, leading to the inaugural service to and from Lynnwood.
“For 25 years, HNTB’s partnership with Sound Transit has been founded on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Kris Agers, HNTB’s Washington state office leader and sr. VP. “We’re pleased to be part of another successful collaboration in delivering innovative design solutions for Sound Transit’s $18 billion capital program.”
Four passenger stations have been constructed, two in the City of Shoreline, one in Mountlake Terrace and one in Lynnwood, each designed to accommodate high volumes of daily commuters.
Photo: Sound Transit
HNTB’s Role in the Sound Transit Project
HNTB served as project manager on all engineering and architectural aspects of the project design and construction support.
HNTB’s innovative approach, including the use of cutting-edge 3-D modeling and delivering design packages early, allowed construction to begin prior to completion of the entire design, enhanced the team collaboration, and significantly accelerated the construction timeline.
Ad Loading...
“This new service marks the first time Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail System has extended into Snohomish County, broadening the range of the entire line and connecting communities across the region,” said Sound Transit vice chair Dave Somers. “The Lynnwood Link Extension will provide an efficient and sustainable transit option and bring numerous benefits to the region by enhancing daily commutes, reducing environmental impact and fostering economic development.”
Four passenger stations have been constructed, two in the City of Shoreline, one in Mountlake Terrace and one in Lynnwood, each designed to accommodate high volumes of daily commuters.
HNTB is also managing the design of an additional fifth station at 130th Street in Seattle, reflecting its ongoing involvement and adaptability in accommodating changes and expansions to the project scope.
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.
The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.