40 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release

 

Federal Way Link Extension continues early construction work   Commuters will begin to see trees removed along I-5 near Kent and Federal Way

 

June 15, 2020

 

 

Sound Transit is continuing early work to prepare for construction of the 7.8 mile Federal Way Link Extension, which will extend the regional light rail line from Angle Lake station to the Federal Way Transit Center. A portion of the work takes place in the WSDOT right-of-way along I-5, including the clearing of trees and vegetation, the replacement of existing trees as well as relocation of conflicting utilities. This work is underway in SeaTac and Des Moines. Starting this week work will commence in Kent along I-5 near Kent/Des Moines Road. Work will begin in Federal Way as early as June 25. Construction of the light rail guideway will begin later this summer.

 

Sound Transit will remove approximately 8,600 trees for this project and replace those trees with more than 16,000 new trees, a roughly 2:1 ratio. The majority of the trees being removed are located in Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) right-of-way between Sea-Tac and Federal Way, along I-5.

 

Working with their contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West, the agency worked to minimize the number of removed trees. Replacing them will begin as early as possible.

 

The agency will employ several strategies for replanting trees. These include phased planting to allow replacement trees to begin growing earlier; planting trees in other locations that currently have low numbers of trees; planting in wetland and stream mitigation areas; salvaging small trees and planting larger trees where appropriate.

 

Sound Transit will emphasize the planting of native and adaptive species of trees and other plants. The agency has also agreed to a 13 year maintenance program with WSDOT. Trees removed for the Federal Way Link Extension will become the property of the contractor and can be used for timber, mulch, compost and wood by-products. Our contractor has pledged to donate lumber to Habitat for Humanity as well as 1,000 trees annually to local jurisdictions along the light rail alignment over the course of the project.

 

The Federal Way Link Extension will have three stations, at Kent/Des Moines Road near Highline College, at South 272nd Street and at the Federal Way Transit Center when it opens 2024. The trip from Federal Way to Sea-Tac Airport will be 15 minutes with service every six to eight minutes during peak hours.

 

All project construction work is done under stringent COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

 

For more information on the Federal Way Link Extension and to sign up for project updates, visit www.soundtransit.org/fwlink.

 

 

[CNJRoss]

6/18/20

 

 

 

 

Project update

 

 

Tree and vegetation removal underway

 

We’re moving forward with preparing for construction of the 7.8-mile Federal Way Link Extension. A portion of this work includes removing existing trees and clearing vegetation.

 

We’ll remove approximately 8,600 trees for this project and replace them at a roughly 2:1 ratio, with more than 16,000 new trees. The majority of the trees removed are located in Washington State Department of Transportation right-of of-way between SeaTac and Federal Way, along I-5. We’re removing these trees to create the pathway for Link construction and help keep our riders and employees safe by reducing the likelihood of trees falling on tracks or buildings.

 

We employ several strategies for replanting trees, including phased planting to allow replacement trees to begin growing earlier; planting trees in other locations that currently have low numbers of trees; planting in wetland and stream mitigation areas; salvaging small trees; and planting larger trees where appropriate. Sound Transit also prioritizes planting native and adaptive species of trees and other plants. 

 

Trees removed for the Federal Way Link Extension will become the property of the contractor and can be used for timber, mulch, compost and wood by-products. Our contractor has pledged to donate lumber to Habitat for Humanity as well as 1,000 trees annually to local jurisdictions along the light rail alignment over the course of the project.

 

Click here for more information on our tree removal and replacement program.  

 

Construction update

 

Under stringent health and safety guidelines, our dedicated team of engineers, construction experts and project staff continue to collaborate to keep the project moving forward.

 

In May, we advanced preliminary construction along the entire route. This work includes demolishing buildings and preparing construction sites of future activities.

 

Learn more

 

More project info: soundtransit.org/fwlink

 

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 6/23/20:

 

   Sound Transit preps for Federal Way light-rail extension construction   

 

 

Sound Transit is continuing early preparations for construction of the 7.8-mile Federal Way Link Extension, which will extend the light-rail line from Angel Lake Station in SeaTac, Washington, to a transit center in Federal Way.

 

More

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release

 

Sound Transit breaks ground on Federal Way Link Extension   

 

Light rail extension to South King County will bring congestion relief as well as path for more transit to Pierce County

 

July 16, 2020

 

 

Sound Transit staff and Board members, elected officials and community partners celebrated the start of construction on the 7.8-mile Federal Way Link Extension with the debut of a new video. Federal Way Link will extend light rail from Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to the Federal Way Transit Center. With King County currently under COVID-19 health guidelines, a traditional in-person groundbreaking event could not take place. 

 

Opening in 2024, the route to Federal Way will offer fast, frequent and reliable service between South King County and Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, Northgate, Lynnwood and Bellevue. The extension includes three new stations serving Kent/Des Moines, South 272nd Street and the Federal Way Transit Center.

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension is such a critical project for so many in the Puget Sound region and across our state. This project will help reduce traffic and commute times, lower emissions and invigorate economies," said Sen. Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "While we’re all still working to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, this project reinforces how much we can accomplish when both Washingtons work together."

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension is going to be game-changer for South King County and communities surrounding it. It will help meet increasing demands for public transportation," said Sen. Maria Cantwell. "This extension is expected to serve as many as 34,000 daily riders by the year 2026. That means easier commutes and less congestion for so many people in and around South King County and a better experience."

 

"Today marks a very important step in the process of bringing Sound Transit to the entire Puget Sound region - the groundbreaking for the Federal Way Link Extension project," said Rep. Adam Smith. "The project will support continued economic development, provide job opportunities and improve regional mobility across the Puget Sound. This is a huge step forward for South King County. I want to thank all the local leaders who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition so we can provide this vital service to the people of South King County." 

 

"An investment in infrastructure in an investment in great jobs in our region. Today’s groundbreaking for the Federal Way Link Extension is a big day for this critical project and an exciting day for commuters in the South Sound," said Rep. Derek Kilmer. "This project represents a huge step for progress, a step closer to connecting Tacoma, and a way to cut down on traffic and provide new affordable transit options to help our workers, our students and our families."

 

"South Sound commuters will soon have a quicker, cleaner and healthier transportation option," said Governor Jay Inslee. "The three new stations between Angle Lake and the Federal Way Transit Center will give more students a chance to attend Highline College, bring shoppers to local businesses and create jobs for decades to come."

 

"I’m really excited about Federal Way Link Extension opening because it’s the very next step to getting to Pierce County," said University Place Councilmember and Sound Transit Board Chair Kent Keel. "Once we get to Pierce County, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunities for the citizens and communities of this county. It’s a great first step, and I’m excited to see it."

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension is breaking ground because local, state and federal leaders work well with Sound Transit. As the economy begins to rebound, this link is critical to connecting South King County with a 116-mile regional light rail system," said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Pete von Reichbauer.

 

"Federal Way Link is a key piece of the puzzle in expanding our regional light rail network. This investment has been a long time coming, and I’m excited we have reached the start of construction," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Dow Constantine. "In a few short years light rail will provide another option for South King County residents, and then it’s on to Tacoma and a truly regional system." 

 

"I can’t understate how excited I am about the Federal Way Link Extension and how important this project is to our community," said King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Dave Upthegrove. "This will provide economic opportunity and transportation connections for a part of King County that needs it the most."

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension is going to be the catalyst that brings together many years of planning for the Midway area and Kent’s West Hill as a whole," said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. "Light rail is going to better connect our region and will provide Kent residents access to jobs, educational institutions, opportunities and fun things like entertainment and sporting venues. This development will be a huge benefit to our residents and the entire region and I am excited it is coming to Kent."

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension shows an investment in jobs, a focus on tourism as well as greater connectivity to the entire region, not only for Federal Way residents, but for anyone passing through our city. This project represents progress for the entire region," said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

 

"The Federal Way Link Extension will mean so much to our students and community," said Highline College President John Mosby. "Light rail will continue to make access to higher education within their reach and give them the ability to transform their lives right here in the South Sound."

 

"Building the Federal Way Link Extension is really about building a prosperous economy," said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. "By 2024, you will be able to travel by light rail from Federal Way, Kent and Des Moines up to Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Shoreline and Lynnwood. We are now just a few years away from the true rail network that the region has needed for a very long time."

 

The $3.1 billion light rail project includes a $790 million Capital Investment Grant from the Federal Transit Administration and a $629.5 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation. 
  
By 2021, Sound Transit will expand light rail to the University District, Roosevelt and Northgate. In 2022, Tacoma Link will expand to the Hilltop neighborhood. In 2023, trains will reach Mercer Island, Bellevue and the Overlake area. In addition to the Federal Way Link Extension, 2024 will bring the opening of extensions to Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Downtown Redmond. 

More information on the Federal Way Link Extension is available at soundtransit.org/fwlink.

 

Video Link: https://vimeo.com/438341470

 

[CNJRoss]

7/16/20

 

 

 

 

Project update

 

 

 

Sound Transit holds virtual groundbreaking ceremony on Federal Way Link Extension

 

 

Today we’re celebrating a thrilling milestone for our region that’s been years in the making: the start of construction on the Federal Way Link Extension! This project will add 7.8 new miles to our regional light rail system, connecting Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to the Federal Way Transit Center.

 

While we usually commemorate groundbreakings with in-person ceremonies, COVID-19 safety protocols have challenged us to celebrate a little more creatively this year, and we think you’ll enjoy the results. Check out our virtual groundbreaking video here (subtitles available in Spanish, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese).

 

In partnership with our design-build contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West Company and regional leaders, we’ve put shovels to ground on our commitment to connect more people to more places across the Puget Sound. When this new Link light rail extension opens in 2024, even more riders will enjoy frequent and reliable service from three new stations serving Kent, Des Moines and Federal Way. 

 

Sound Transit plans to operate trains every six to eight minutes during weekday peak hours. Commuters from the Federal Way Transit Center will enjoy 15-minute rides to Sea-Tac Airport and 42-minute rides to downtown Seattle from Kent/Des Moines. 

 

 

Next year we’ll also launch new light rail service to Seattle’s University District, Roosevelt and Northgate. In 2023, Link will reach Mercer Island, Bellevue and Overlake. Then we’ll be expanding to Lynnwood, Kent/Des Moines, Federal Way and downtown Redmond in 2024. 

 

You can find more information on the Federal Way Link Extension at soundtransit.org/fwlink.

Learn more

 

Join the Federal Way Link Facebook group

 

Are you a Facebook user? Would you like to stay informed about the latest construction progress, see cool photos and engage with the project’s Community Outreach team?

If so, you can join our new Federal Way Link Facebook Group, where we’ll answer your questions and keep the pictures coming.

 

See more project updates for Federal Way Link Extension.

 

More project info: soundtransit.org/fwlink

 

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release 9/1/20

 

Federal Way Link Extension

 

  Public art murals slashed at Federal Way light rail construction site    

 

Prompt restoration will prevent artists from being silenced by suspected racially motivated act

 

September 1, 2020

 

 

Sound Transit and local public artists condemn acts of vandalism that damaged many of the 35 temporary public art murals that were recently installed at the construction site of downtown Federal Way’s future light rail station. The murals include numerous depictions of people of color and the damage is suspected to have been racially motivated

 

The slashed murals, which through collaboration with community groups were recently installed on the outside of construction fencing, include works by local artists Jasmine Iona Brown, Lauren Iida, Toka Valu, Tiffanny Hammonds, Sabah Al-Dhaher, and barry johnson. 

 

"I enjoy making public art because it lives in open spaces where the entire community can enjoy it. Unfortunately, vandalism is the downside of creating public art. This is not the first time my work, that often centers on black subjects, has been slashed," said artist Jasmine Iona Brown. "Harsh realities like this are disappointing, but it only strengthens my resolve to continue creating this work. My art is my protest against injustice and inequality. Many thanks to Sound Transit and the other artists for their continued efforts on this project."

"I came into this realm of temporary public art as a starry eyed, full-of-enthusiasm kid from the islands as my mom used to say. That kid was definitely deflated and awakened following the distasteful slashing of the murals," said artist Toka Valu. "However, this act only affirmed for me how important this work is in the continued dialogue and advocacy for communities like the one I come from is. I'm proud to continue working alongside these artists and that Sound Transit stands firmly behind the work of its creative partners in times like these."

Each mural is unique and designed to add color and positive energy to the surrounding streetscape, while highlighting South King County communities. Images of the murals can be found at this link: https://soundtransit...CZQLgY/FWLE-Art.

 

"We won’t let this cowardly act of vandalism threaten people’s ability to benefit from the important work of these artists," said Sound Transit Executive Director of Design, Engineering and Construction Ron Lewis. "Following our nation’s long history of racism and unfair treatment of black people and other people of color it is critical for us to show our support for change. We are restoring the artwork and taking measures that seek to prevent any further disgraceful acts. The artists created these beautiful murals to celebrate communities in Federal Way and South King County, and we call on the community to support the artists and their artistic expressions." 

 

The act of vandalism is suspected to have happened the night of August 20th. Sound Transit is working with its security, the City of Federal Way, and the construction contractor to consider methods to protect the murals from further harm, including potential security and surveillance measures. Members of the community are encouraged to report any information about who perpetrated this crime.

"This kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated in Federal Way, and we will do our best to identify and hold the individuals responsible for this act accountable," said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. "These works of art belong to the people of our city and we’re going to do everything we can to protect them."

 

Temporary Mural Artists: Federal Way Station Construction Site

• Jasmine Iona Brown (https://jasmineiona.artstation.com/)
  
  Brown is a Tacoma-based visual artist, exhibiting painter, and designer.  Her focus on community character lead her to a series of Northwest inspired images.
   
• Lauren Iida (https://www.laureniida.com/)
  
  Iida is a visual artist working with large scale paper cut-outs; this work is printed from an actual large-scale paper cut stencil in black and white. The objects in the net were contributed by people in the Northwest Japanese and Cambodian communities. 
   
• Toka Valu (https://www.tokavalu.com/)
  
  Valu is an artist, designer, and co-founder of the Youth Advocacy group Our Future Matters, and  lives in SeaTac. He collaborated with young people from the Pacific Islander community in a group process to create his murals.
   
• barry johnson (https://www.barryjohnson.co/)
  
  johnson is a self-taught exhibiting interdisciplinary artist, living in Federal Way. In addition to his “Our Federal Way” murals with interlocking hands, barry requested photographs from community members in order to paint their portraits.
   
• Sabah Al-Dhaher (http://www.sabahfineart.com/)
  
  Al-Dhaher is a classically trained sculptor and painter, who teaches art at the Pratt Fine Arts Center. He incorporated contributions from children from around the world in his murals.
   
• Tiffanny Hammonds (https://www.tiffannyhammonds.com/)
  
  Hammonds is a Tacoma-based muralist, artist, and youth advocate based at Fab 5 Studios. Her murals feature numerous faces in a rainbow of colors, reflecting on the connections between color and emotion. 

The Federal Way Link Extension will open for service in 2024. For more information on the Federal Way Link Extension and to sign up for project updates, visit www.soundtransit.org/fwlink.

 

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit 9/17/20

 

 

 

 

Project update

 

Kent-Des Moines station area rendering, looking southwest across 30th Ave S.

 

Virtual neighborhood briefings

 

As Sound Transit continues to expand service throughout the region, communicating with our project neighbors remains one of our top priorities. Our Community Outreach team is dedicated to building relationships, sharing information, listening to your needs and answering all your questions. 

 

We had previously planned to host in-person briefings in communities along the new route throughout the second half of 2020. Now, due to ongoing social distancing restrictions, we’ll be conducting these briefings through online videos. 

 

Our first video provides an overview of the entire Federal Way Link Extension project. You’ll see the latest conceptual renderings of all three station areas and learn about new developments.

 

You can watch the video on our YouTube page – watch it here. 

 

In addition to the project overview, we’re launching more detailed briefing videos for SeaTac, Des Moines, Kent and Federal Way so that you can learn about specific project developments in your community. 

 

The videos will soon be available online at the project webpage.

 

  Learn more

 

  New murals by local artists

 

Have you seen our beautiful new temporary art installations at Federal Way Link Extension construction sites? Last month we began hanging 35 murals by six South King County artists along construction fencing.

 

Shortly after installation, however, we discovered vandalism to many of the new works at our downtown Federal Way construction site. Designed to reflect the rich diversity of the surrounding community, the murals include numerous depictions of people of color, and we believe this vandalism was motivated by racism. We urge anyone who may have information about these acts to contact Sound Transit’s Security Desk.

 

We’ve rehung the repaired murals, and we hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy the custom art created specifically for this project. 

 

Learn more about the art and artists by clicking below.

 

Learn more

 

Join the Federal Way Link Facebook group

 

Are you a Facebook user? Would you like to stay informed about the latest construction progress, see cool photos and engage with the project’s Community Outreach team?

 

If so, you can join our new Federal Way Link Facebook Group, where we’ll answer your questions and keep the pictures coming.

 

See more project updates for Federal Way Link Extension.

 

 

[KevinKorell]

Kent, WA Explorer, 9/25/20:

 

  Light rail construction transforms West Hill in Kent  

 

 

 

The landscape of the West Hill in Kent continues to change as construction crews work to extend light rail 7.8 miles from Angle Lake in SeaTac to Federal Way.

 

Read

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release

Federal Way Link Extension begins heavy civil construction  

 

Project enters new phase with work on light rail guideway

 

October 7, 2020

 

 

Today the Federal Way Link Extension marked the beginning of building the light rail guideway with construction of drill shafts at the site of the future Kent/Des Moines Station. Crews have spent months demolishing buildings, removing trees, relocating underground utilities and clearing and grading. Some of the most significant work has been at the Midway landfill where 73 percent of the waste material has been excavated and replaced with clean fill material for construction of at-grade tracks. 

 

"Commuters who travel I-5 in South King County can now see changes to the landscape as our crews make progress on the Federal Way Link Extension," said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. "In just a few years, this new light rail extension will transform the way people travel to and from South King County and provide countless people greater access to job and housing opportunities."

 

By 2024, Federal Way Link and other extensions currently under construction will expand the region’s light rail system from 22 miles to 62 miles and from 22 stations to 50 stations. After Federal Way Link opens in 2024 riders will enjoy fast, frequent and reliable service between South King County, the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, the Eastside, Sea-Tac Airport and Lynnwood. The extension includes three new stations serving Kent, Des Moines and Federal Way. 

 

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 Build America Bureau executed a $629.5 million low-interest loan supporting the project. That loan was one of four loans captured in a Master Credit Agreement reached between Sound Transit and the USDOT at the end of 2016. The one-of-its-kind agreement should save regional taxpayers between $200 million and $300 million through lower interest costs. 

 

For more on the Federal Link Extension visit www.soundtransit.org/fwlink.

 

[KevinKorell]

Auburn, WA Reporter, 10/14/20:

 

    Column installation begins for light rail extension    

 

 

Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension hit a project milestone last week with the construction of the light rail guideway now underway.

 

Read