METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

August 30, 2024
HNTB, Sound Transit Celebrate Opening of Lynnwood Link Extension

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.

More Rail

Governor Moore in a ceremony placing the last track
Railby StaffMay 8, 2026

Maryland Governor Installs Final Purple Line Rail During Tour

The moment marks the completion of 193,100 feet of track linking Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Read More →
PATCO's New Control Center
Managementby StaffMay 7, 2026

PATCO Opens New Operations Control Center

The new center serves as the central hub for monitoring and managing PATCO train operations, communications, customer service coordination, incident response, and overall operational oversight across the transit system.

Read More →
VIA Rail Canada logo
Railby StaffMay 7, 2026

VIA Rail reports Stable Ridership, Rising Revenue Amid Ongoing Challenges

Despite these pressures, VIA Rail is reporting that total revenues increased to $514.8 million as more travelers took advantage of the wide range of options available through the corporation’s new reservation system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Books with graduation mortar board
Managementby StaffMay 6, 2026

New Chicago Scholarship Program Targets Student Pathways to Construction Careers

Created in partnership with Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the contractor for CTA’s historic $5.7 billion RLE project, the new $250,000 scholarship program will provide three students a year from 2026 to 2030 with $3,000 scholarships.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Steve Goodreau
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 6, 2026

Trackless Rapid Transit: Hype or Viable Option?

Steve Goodreau of WSP explores the technology’s promise, limitations and where it may fit in the evolving transit landscape.

Read More →
Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →