Lynnwood Link Extension

The Lynnwood Link Extension is a transformative project expanding the Sound Transit Link Light Rail System from the Northgate Station in North Seattle to the Lynnwood Transit Center. This 8.5-mile extension marks the first time the light rail will connect communities in Snohomish County directly to Seattle's urban core. The project features four new stations and is designed to significantly improve regional mobility and reduce commute times.

Innovative solutions and a collaborative approach

HNTB served as project manager for the engineering and architecture team, designing the guideway, stations, garages, and all civil components of the project. The firm provided innovative and on-time project delivery, technical design, grant and permitting assistance. HNTB’s responsibilities included working with the CGGM Contractor to deliver comprehensive design packages on an accelerated schedule, which enabled construction to begin prior to the completion of the full design. HNTB also managed the design of a complex new station at 130th Street in Seattle as part of a significant change order.

Spanning four municipal jurisdictions and primarily situated within WSDOT's right-of-way, the Lynnwood Link Extension project required extensive utility relocations and close collaboration with stakeholders throughout the design and construction phases.

HNTB’s approach to the Lynnwood Link Extension incorporated design solutions that prioritized sustainability, accessibility, and community integration. By collaborating closely with Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Stride BRT, the STart (Sound Transit’s Art program) and neighborhood stakeholders, each Lynnwood Link Station incorporates bus transfer facilities, placemaking artwork, landscape planting and multiuse trail connections.

A new era of transportation

The Lynnwood Link Extension will provide critical links to key destinations in the region, including the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, SeaTac International Airport and, with future northward extensions, eventually Paine Field and Everett. With service every four to six minutes during peak hours, riders will soon have easy access to all the parks, shops and restaurants along “the 1 line,” giving commuters another option to driving on I-5.

The extension is expected to serve thousands of passengers daily, providing a reliable alternative transportation mode while creating access to services and economic opportunities and promoting sustainable urban growth.