40 replies to this topic

[Lightning]

As Sound Transit gears up to begin construction of the extension south from Angle Lake SeaTac to Federal, here is an animated video of the route structure.

[KevinKorell]

Seattle, WA Times, 7/26/18:

 

 

 

Soaring land and construction costs push light-rail line to Federal Way over $2.5 billion

 

 

 

 

Runaway construction and land costs are afflicting yet another transportation megaproject, the Sound Transit light-rail line from Angle Lake to Federal Way.

 

 

Details

[KevinKorell]

KOMO-TV, Channel 4 in Seattle, WA, 7/27/18:

 

 

Costs of Federal Way light rail link soar by $460 million

 

 

The cost of extending Sound Transit light rail service to Federal Way has soared $460.3 million over cost figures offered to voters when they were pushed to approve the massive Sound Transit 3 light rail package in 2016.

 

 

More

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release:

 

Sound Transit selects Kiewit Infrastructure West to build Federal Way Link Extension   

 

The 7.8-mile project will extend regional light rail from Angle Lake to Federal Way

 

May 23, 2019

 

 

The Sound Transit Board of Directors today selected Kiewit Infrastructure West Company to design and build the Federal Way Link Extension. The project will extend regional light rail 7.8 miles from the Angle Lake station in SeaTac to Federal Way. Three new stations will be built in Kent/Des Moines near Highline College, at South 272nd Street, and at the Federal Way Transit Center. The total amount of the contract with contingency funding is $1.4 billion. 

 

"The addition of light rail to Federal Way will give South King County residents a much-needed transit option," said King County Council member and Sound Transit Boardmember Pete von Reichbauer. "The Federal Way Link Extension is a long-awaited addition to our region that encourages employers to look beyond the downtown Seattle area and will transform the way we travel for work and leisure activities."

 

"South King County residents are one-step closer to fast and accessible light rail service, "said Peter Rogoff, Sound Transit CEO. "Building this project is the culmination of years of patience by South King County residents and collaborative work with the cities of SeaTac, Kent, Des Moines and Federal Way. We also have a great partnership with WSDOT to use much of their right-of-way along I-5 to build this line." 

 

The design-build contract includes all work to complete final design and construction of the light rail guideway which will connect to the existing Angle Lake station in SeaTac and extend south along the west side of I-5 to the Federal Way Transit Center. Kiewit will also complete final design and construction of three new light rail stations, three parking garages, the overhead catenary system, traction power substations, train control and communications, special track work, utilities and street improvements. 

 

Sound Transit is working closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on the SR 509 Completion Project. As part of a partnership agreement, Kiewit will build a new bridge over State Route 99 near 208th Street in the City of SeaTac as part of the first stage of the SR 509 project. Since both projects are being constructed in the same area, this joint effort will reduce impacts to the community.  

 

It is anticipated that early demolition and utility relocation work will begin later this year.

 

Major civil construction activities are expected to begin in 2020. Service on the new regional light rail extension is schedule to begin in 2024.

 

The Federal Way Link Extension is seeking a grant from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program that will fund approximately 25 percent of the project. The CIG program is the federal government's primary financial resource for supporting transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented and operated. The project recently received Entry into Engineering approval from the FTA, clearing a major milestone in the grant application process. 

 

The project is in line for the final of four loans from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA). Sound Transit become the first transportation agency in the country in 2016 to enter into a master credit agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation that will provide $2 billion in low-interest loans spanning four projects. The loans, enabled by the USDOT's Build America Bureau TIFIA, are cumulatively forecasted to save regional taxpayers between $200 million and $300 million through lower interest costs. 

 

By 2021, Sound Transit will expand light rail to the U District, Roosevelt and Northgate. In 2023 trains will reach, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Overlake. Next up will be the extension of light rail to Lynnwood, Kent/Des Moines, Federal Way and downtown Redmond in 2024. From there, continuing expansions will focus on Tacoma, West Seattle, Ballard, Everett, South Kirkland and Issaquah, forming a 116-mile regional system by 2041. 

 

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

 

 

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release

 

Federal Way light rail extension receives $100 million federal allocation   

 

Federal Transit Administration action signals support for $790 million full funding grant agreement as Sound Transit prepares for early 2020 groundbreaking

 

July 9, 2019

 

 

Sound Transit today welcomed the Federal Transit Administration’s allocation of $100 million in grant funding for extending Link light rail to Federal Way. The planned 2019 funding represents a significant commitment toward the pending multi-year full funding grant of $790 million that Sound Transit is seeking to break ground on the critical project in early 2020.

 

“Reducing congestion on the busy I-5 corridor and strengthening public transit options in King County is a win for our environment and for families, students and workers throughout Puget Sound—and I’m thrilled to see these major investments flow to infrastructure priorities in Washington state,” said Sen. Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “While this ‘down payment’ is a positive sign that the federal government will be at the table to help our local leaders see this critical project through, we must all continue working to ensure the final funding agreement gets over the finish line—and I intend to keep doing my part as a voice for our state in the Senate to ensure that happens.”

 

“Today’s announcement is a game-changer for commuters in South King and Pierce counties. This nearly 8-mile extension of the popular Link Light Rail line will greatly improve access to Sea-Tac and downtown Seattle for all South King and Pierce county residents. With travel times of 15 minutes between Federal Way and Sea-Tac and less than 45 minutes between Kent/Des Moines Station and downtown Seattle, this key federal investment will help reduce congestion in our region, while providing better options for commuters,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell.

 

“I am excited to see that the Federal Transit Administration has chosen to allocate $100 million in Capital Investment Grant funding to the Federal Way Light Rail extension project,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “Expanding light rail to Federal Way will help connect thousands of passengers daily to stations all along the South King County corridor. This public transportation project is vital in ensuring a broader range of options are available for travel to work, school, and community events. As the region continues to grow and expand, the light rail extension will be essential for relieving congestion, connecting communities, and improving access to travel for all.”

 

“It’s an exciting day for commuters in the South Sound,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer. “For too long, too many people have been stuck in traffic. This project represents progress in the effort to connect our neighborhoods, cut down on traffic, and provide new, affordable transit options for folks across the region. I’ll continue to advocate for the federal government to invest in infrastructure projects like this that will create and support local jobs.”

 

“Our historic work to construct a 116-mile light rail system connecting our entire region depends on our strong federal partnership that continues with this good news,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “Together we will transform people’s commutes and move toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

 

“This is great news for getting light rail under construction to Federal Way,” said Sound Transit Board and King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer. “Connecting more South King County residents to our growing regional light rail system will ease painful commutes and boost our economy. Faster and more predictable transportation will produce more job growth in our region.”

“This $100 million allocation for extending light rail to Federal Way represents a significant milestone in the path to securing the $790 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for the project this calendar year. I want to thank Secretary Chao and Acting Administrator Williams for their continued support of expanding transit options here in the Puget Sound,” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. “A robust federal partnership on funding this critical project will grant thousands more commuters the ability to escape ever-worsening gridlock.”

 

“I truly appreciate the personal phone call I received today from Sen. Patty Murray to let me know about this big news,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “The arrival of light rail in Federal Way will not only strengthen our downtown core for generations come but also give our residents another much-needed commuting option. We are also excited to showcase all we have to offer as a community when Federal Way is the final stop on the line for nearly five years before the next phase heading south to Tacoma is finished.”

 

The funding is planned to go toward the $790 million full funding grant agreement (FFGA) that Sound Transit is seeking through the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. In April the FTA moved the project forward in its rigorous funding process by advancing it to the engineering phase, locking in the $790 million CIG funding level requested by Sound Transit. In the coming months Sound Transit will continue to work closely with the FTA and the region’s congressional delegation toward executing the FFGA. Execution of the FFGA is required before Sound Transit can access the $100 million allocation and begin to be reimbursed for the costs of the project.

 

The Federal Way Link Extension earned a “Medium-High” rating in the FTA’s competitive process, among the highest awarded to transit projects around the nation. The CIG program is the federal government’s primary financial resource for supporting transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented, and operated.

 

Sound Transit is also working to secure a $629 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan to support the Federal Way Link Extension. The loan is part of Sound Transit’s TIFIA master credit agreement with the FTA, under which Sound Transit became the first transit agency in the nation to enter into an agreement covering multiple projects. The TIFIA loans save local taxpayers money by granting Sound Transit access to financing with very low interest rates.

 

Trains on the 7.8-mile light rail extension from Angle Lake in SeaTac to Federal Way will serve three stations along the route in Kent/Des Moines, at South 272nd Street and at the Federal Way Transit Center. Demolition and utility relocation work is scheduled to begin this fall, with major construction activities beginning in 2020.

 

By 2021, Sound Transit will expand light rail to the U District, Roosevelt and Northgate. 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. From there, continuing expansions will focus on Tacoma, West Seattle, Ballard, Everett, South Kirkland, Issaquah and Tacoma Community College, forming a 116-mile regional system by 2041.

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

 

[CNJRoss]

Sound Transit news release

 

USDOT announces intent to award $790 million grant, $629 million low-interest loan for Federal Way light rail extension 

 

Actions will enable critical project to enter construction in early 2020

 

 

December 16, 2019

 

Members of Washington's congressional delegation today announced actions by the U.S. Department of Transportation to award a $790 million grant and $629 million low-interest loan to enable Sound Transit to start building light rail to Federal Way early next year.

 

The Federal Transit Administration on Friday transmitted a $790 million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for Sound Transit's Federal Way Link Extension to Congress, starting a thirty-day notification period. The action highlights that the Administration intends to execute the grant once the period is complete.

 

Also on Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation formally notified Congress of its intent to close a $629.5 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for the project. This represents the fourth and final loan under our $1.99 billion TIFIA Master Credit Agreement which we signed with USDOT's Build America Bureau at the end of 2016. The agreement will save regional taxpayers between $200 and $300 million in borrowing costs over the life of our bonds.

 

"Securing this federal funding enables us to fulfill our promise of delivering regional light rail to the residents of South King County, said Sound Transit Board Chair and Redmond Mayor John Marchione. "The tireless advocacy of our congressional delegation was instrumental in completing this vital step to transform people's commutes and build a more prosperous future for the region."

 

"This is exciting news for South Sound commuters looking to get relief from ever-increasing congestion," said Sound Transit Boardmember and King County Executive Dow Constantine. "With major construction on Federal Way Link starting in the new year, this announcement means South King County will soon join a vast regional light rail network connecting all of the Central Puget Sound."

 

"It takes forever to travel to and from South King County because of worsening traffic jams," said Sound Transit and King County Council member Dave Upthegrove. "Thanks to this federal funding for the light rail project, an option to escape traffic gridlock in South King County is on the way."

 

"South King County's wait for faster and more predictable transportation options will soon be over with the completion of the Federal Way Link extension," said Sound Transit Board and King County Council member Pete von Reichbauer. "I'm thankful for our congressional delegation's efforts to complete the federal funding for this project and I'm looking forward to breaking ground on this project next year."

 

"A year ago, Sound Transit secured a $1.2 billion FFGA grant for Lynnwood Link. Now, we have secured a commitment from the Administration to also fund Federal Way Link thanks to the persistent efforts of our congressional delegation," said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. "I also want to thank Secretary Chao and Acting Administrator Williams for their support on expanding transit options in our region that will help commuters escape ever-worsening gridlock."

 

"When regional light rail comes to Federal Way in 2024, not only will our residents have more transit options, but it will transform our downtown for generations," said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. "Our city will begin to see this project become real when heavy construction starts next year and we are excited for the economic opportunities light-rail will bring to our residents."

 

"With two new stations in Kent, the Federal Way Link Extension will provide additional transportation options for the region," said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. "The project will also help implement the revitalization for Kent's West Hill as envisioned by Kent's Midway Subarea Plan."

 

In advance of the FFGA approval, Congress approved $100 million in FY 2019 Capital Investment Grant funding that will represent the first installment of the grant. 
  
Trains on the 7.8-mile light rail extension from Angle Lake in SeaTac to Federal Way will serve three stations along the route in Kent/Des Moines, at South 272nd Street and at the Federal Way Transit Center. Demolition and utility relocation work began this fall, and construction is set to begin in early 2020. 

 

By 2021, Sound Transit will expand light rail to the U 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. From there, continuing expansions will focus on Tacoma, West Seattle, Ballard, Everett, South Kirkland, Issaquah and Tacoma Community College, forming a 116-mile regional system by 2041. 

 

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

 

 

[CNJRoss]

USDOT news release

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $790 Million Grant Agreement, $629.5 Million Loan for Federal Way Link Extension Project

 

1-22-2020

 

 

SEATAC, Wash. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a $790 million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) for the Federal Way Link Extension Project in King County, Washington, through FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program. Sound Transit has also been approved for up to $629.5 million in USDOT credit assistance through the Build America Bureau under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program.

 

"This $790 million federal grant will improve mobility for thousands of people who travel throughout the Seattle area," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

 

The project is a 7.8-mile extension of the Link light rail system, from the existing Angle Lake station through the cities of SeaTac, Des Moines, Kent, and Federal Way in southern King County, Washington. The project will serve a dense suburban corridor where the existing roadway network is constrained, and travel options are limited to two congested roadways.

 

"Commuters in Seattle can now look forward to a one seat ride between King County, Sea-Tac Airport, downtown Seattle, and the University of Washington," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "This extension will improve access to jobs, healthcare, educational opportunities, and other destinations in the Puget Sound region."

 

FTA’s CIG Program provides funding for major transit projects nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.

 

Since January 20, 2017, FTA has advanced funding for 25 new CIG projects throughout the nation totaling approximately $7.5 billion in funding commitments. With today’s FFGA signing, this Administration has executed 19 CIG funding agreements totaling more than $4.42 billion in CIG funding.

 

The Build America Bureau, which administers the TIFIA credit program, was established as a "one-stop shop" to streamline credit opportunities while also providing technical assistance and encouraging innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and operation. During Secretary Chao’s tenure at DOT, the Bureau has closed 18 loans totaling $7.3 billion in TIFIA financings, supporting more than $25.7 billion in infrastructure investment across the country. This included three loans to Sound Transit under a Master Credit Agreement totaling $1.4 billion.

###

 

 

[Lightning]

And more from Sound Transit.

[KevinKorell]

Federal Way, WA Mirror, 4/17/20:

 

   Demolition of Federal Way buildings will make room for light rail 

 

 

 

Demolition of several buildings in Federal Way will begin next week to make room for the Federal Way Link light rail extension, Sound Transit announced Friday.

 

Update

[CNJRoss]

5/8/20

 

 

 

 

 

Project update

 

 

Weigh in on our new South 272nd Street station area designs

 

We're making significant progress on designs for our South 272nd Street station area and parking garage. We're excited to share them and get your feedback!

 

In 2017, we asked the public how they wanted our new Link light rail stations from Angle Lake to Federal Way to look and feel. Community members preferred designs that are open and inviting, featuring colorful elements with vegetation and weather protection. We've been using this input throughout project development.

 

We want to hear your thoughts on the progress we've made. Click the survey below to learn more about our proposed design of the station, parking garage and surrounding area, and let us know what you think! This survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali and Korean and closes on May 21.

 

Curious about station-area designs for the Federal Way Transit Center? We'll be seeking input on the station in the coming months, so stay tuned!

 

Take our survey!