Sound Transit expects contracts by fall for rail extension

EVERETT, Wash.  — The Seattle-area public transit agency is expecting to award major construction contracts by the fall to extend the light rail to northern suburban cities.

The Daily Herald reports Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff told the agency's board last month that awarding the contracts by this fall should keep the Lynnwood Link project on schedule to open in mid-2024.

The project will extend Seattle's light rail system to the north by 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers). Stations will be built in Shoreline, Mountain Terrace and Lynnwood. The project also includes the construction of new parking garages that will add 1,500 parking spaces.

Demolition is scheduled to begin this summer on buildings in Lynnwood and other sections of the route. Major construction is expected to start next year.