Project updates
Learn about where and when construction is happening throughout the ST district.
Conceptual image of a future Federal Way Link Extension station.

Design-Build contract awarded

Publish Date

On May 23, the Sound Transit Board of Directors authorized award of a contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Company to design and build the Federal Way Link Extension.

Kiewit is a northwest leader in highway, mass transit systems, canals, dams and tunnel construction. They have worked on major infrastructure projects in the Seattle area, including previous Link extensions. The Sound Transit Board awarded the contract based on the submitted proposal. To learn more about Kiewit, visit their website.

The design-build project delivery method means Kiewit will design and construct the project. By integrating the design and construction of the FWLE, Sound Transit will use best practices to streamline the project timeline and meet budget goals. 

Sound Transit looks forward to continued community engagement during design and construction. The project is on schedule, and Sound Transit expects construction to begin in early 2020.

Kiewit conducts soil testing for the Federal Way Link Extension.

Kiewit conducts soil testing for the Federal Way Link Extension.

Artist spotlight

Seven artists and artist teams will be creating integrated artworks to enhance the rider experience along the Federal Way Link Extension. A panel of arts and design professionals—representatives from the cities and community members—selected the following artists to create unique art features at stations, garages and plazas:

  • Kent/Des Moines station area: Norman Lee and Shane Allbritton of RE:site Studio. They describe their work as "exploring notions of community, identity and narrative in the context of public space."
  • Kent/Des Moines station area plaza: Michelle de la Vega. Drawing inspiration from her experience in dance and visual art, her practice includes stylized environment design.
  • Kent/Des Moines and South 272nd Street garages: Tacoma artist Christopher Paul Jordan. Christopher creates murals and or sculptures devising passageways and opening portals encapsulating experiences, questions and memories in the future.
  • South 272nd Street station area: Tory and Eroyn Franklin. The two have overlapping mediums as well as individual works, and combine comic artist/illustrator and permanent/installation for a storytelling approach to their work.
  • Federal Way Transit Center station area: Catherine Widgery. Catherine is an award-winning artist recognized for creating more than 40 site-specific pieces for the public realm throughout her career.
  • Federal Way station plaza: Donald Lipski. Recognized at an early age for his exceptional work, Donald is a sculptor with a background in ceramics. His public installations enrich civic spaces and become landmarks for communities in cities from coast to coast.
  • Federal Way Transit Center station garage: Christine Ngyuen. Drawing inspiration from nature, the sciences and the cosmos, Christine’s work steps away from conventional representation of these themes.

In addition to creating permanent installations, the Sound Transit Art Program is working with artists to develop temporary works and programs to feature at station sites and in the community during construction:

  • Federal Way Link Extension artist-in-residence Sarah Kavage brings a background in urban planning to her work collaborating with the community to develop temporary art opportunities along the entire FWLE during construction.
  • Carina A. del Rosario will work with educators to create science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) curriculum focused on the FWLE service area. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking. Carina is the founder of IDEA Odyssey, a collective of artists of color.
Artwork installation: Re:site Studio, Woven Waves, Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL

The future Kent/Des Moines station area will feature work by Norman Lee and Shane Allbritton of RE:site Studio. Shown in the photo above is their piece "Woven Waves" from the Tampa Riverwalk in Tampa, FL.

Where to find Sound Transit this summer

This summer Sound Transit representatives will be out and about in communities across South King County providing updates and information about the Federal Way Link Extension and other projects. Keep an eye out for Sound Transit branded tents and tables at your local Farmers Market, parks, fairs and festivals. You will be able to engage with staff, ask questions and sign up to receive further updates.

  • July 4, Federal Way – Red, White and Blues at Celebration Park
  • July 17, Federal Way – Summer Sounds at Steel Lake Park
  • July 24, SeaTac – Angle Lake Music in the Parks at Angle Lake Park
  • July 27, Federal Way – Federal Way Farmers Market at Commons Mall
  • August 7, Kent – Kent Summer Concerts at Kent Station Area
  • August 10, Federal Way – Flavor of Federal Way at Town Square Park
  • August 15, SeaTac – Back to School Fair at Valley Ridge Park
  • September 14, Des Moines – Waterfront Market at Des Moines Marina