The team will perform systems construction management services for the $3.7 billion East Link Extension, a 14-mile-long extension, and the $1.9 billion 4.3-mile Northgate Link Extension between the University of Washington at Husky Stadium, the University District, and the Northgate neighborhood.
Northwest Transit Systems Partners (NTSP), a joint venture consisting of STV and Mott MacDonald, will oversee the systems construction of two transformative new light rail extensions that will serve tens of thousands of commuters who will ride future extensions of Sound Transit’s light rail system.
NTSP was approved by the Sound Transit Board of Directors in May. The team will perform systems construction management services for the $3.7 billion East Link Extension, a 14-mile-long extension connecting Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Redmond; and the $1.9 billion 4.3-mile Northgate Link Extension between the University of Washington at Husky Stadium, the University District, and the Northgate neighborhood. Both light rail extensions were approved by voters and are key components of a larger system expansion being undertaken by Sound Transit over the next 25 years.
“These two extensions will provide commuters with easier, more reliable access to jobs, schools, retail, and cultural institutions all across Seattle and the surrounding area,” said John Ponzio, STV VP and systems national practice leader. “The end result is a Sound Transit system that aspires to be one of the nation’s best transportation networks.”
Sound Transit estimates that at least 50,000 people a day will use East Link by 2030. Once completed, the extension will be the world’s only passenger light rail service operating over a floating bridge – referring to the section of I-90 over Lake Washington connecting Mercer Island and Seattle.
Trains for the Northgate Extension, which is estimated to serve more than 60,000 weekday riders by 2030 and connect Northgate residents to Sea-Tac Airport in 47 minutes and downtown Seattle in 14 minutes, will operate in twin tunnels from the University of Washington Station.
Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.
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.
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.
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
