Sound Transit Expands 2 Line with Downtown Redmond Link, Marking Key ST3 Milestone

Redmond, Washington, US – May 14, 2025

The ongoing transformation of public transportation in the Puget Sound region has reached another significant milestone with the inauguration of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. Sound Transit, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, announced the commencement of services on this vital 3.4-mile segment of the 2 Line, directly connecting downtown Redmond with South Bellevue in east King County. This expansion, featuring two state-of-the-art stations at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond, is not merely an addition of track; it represents the first tangible outcome of the ambitious Sound Transit 3 (ST3) capital improvement plan approved by voters in 2016. The project promises to enhance regional mobility, offering residents improved access to employment centers, recreational facilities, and the wider transit network, while underscoring the commitment to developing a comprehensive, modern light rail system for the burgeoning metropolitan area. This launch is a pivotal moment, reflecting years of meticulous planning and construction.

A Strategic Extension Bolstering Eastside Connectivity

The Downtown Redmond Link Extension adds a crucial 3.4 miles of light rail infrastructure to the existing 2 Line, significantly improving transit options on the Eastside. This segment is a cornerstone of the broader Sound Transit 3 (ST3) initiative, a voter-approved plan aiming to add 94 miles of light rail across the region. Notably, the Redmond extension is the inaugural project from the ST3 plan to commence operations, symbolizing tangible progress in this multi-decade transit vision. The project, which includes newly constructed elevated guideways and at-grade track sections, was delivered on schedule and within its $1.5 billion budget. This extension is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing transportation infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to vehicular travel in a rapidly growing corridor.

New Stations: Gateways to Redmond’s Core and Recreational Hubs

Two new stations anchor this extension: Marymoor Village Station and Downtown Redmond Station. Marymoor Village Station, strategically located along State Route 520 near the State Route 202/Redmond Way interchange, provides direct, surface-level access to the popular Marymoor Park. To support its role as a key commuter hub, this station features an impressive 1,400 parking spaces and offers connections to King County Metro route 269.

The Downtown Redmond Station serves as the new terminal for the 2 Line. This elevated station is situated on 166th Avenue Northeast, placing it in close proximity to key city parks, residential areas, and a vibrant retail sector. It offers excellent access to the Sammamish Slough walking and biking trail and connects with multiple King County Metro services, including route 250, the RapidRide B Line, and DART (Dial-A-Ride Transit) routes 224 and 930. Both stations are equipped with ample bicycle parking facilities and are accessible from the Eastrail corridor and the regional trail network, promoting multi-modal journeys.

Complex Systems Integration and Collaborative Delivery

The successful delivery of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension involved a consortium of experienced engineering and construction firms. The design-build contract was managed by Stacy Witbeck/Kuney JV, a joint venture known for its expertise in complex transportation projects. The intricate design work was led by engineering giants Jacobs and Hatch. Construction of the station structures and the substantial parking garage at Marymoor Village was undertaken by Hensel Phelps.

The critical systems scope, essential for safe and efficient railway operations, was handled by Mass Electric Construction Co. and Modern Rail Systems. Their responsibilities encompassed the installation of the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) for power delivery to the Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), traction power substations (TPSS), advanced signalling systems to ensure safe train separation and movement, and comprehensive communications networks. This collaborative effort ensured that all technical aspects, from civil engineering to sophisticated railway systems integration, were executed to the highest standards.

A Cascade of Openings: Momentum in Regional Transit Growth

The Downtown Redmond Link Extension is the fourth major light rail opening by Sound Transit within the last 18 months, underscoring a period of accelerated expansion for the agency. This follows the operational launch of the 2 Line’s initial segment between South Bellevue and Redmond Technology Station in April 2024, the extension of the T Line service to Hilltop in Tacoma in September 2023, and the significant Lynnwood Link extension, which brought 1 Line light rail service into Snohomish County with four new stations in August 2024.

Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers highlighted this progress, stating, “With the opening of Downtown Redmond Link, Sound Transit now operates 46 miles of light rail across all three counties we serve.” Redmond Mayor and Sound Transit Board member Angela Birney added, “Today is an historic milestone for Redmond and our region, as we open the first stations from the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure. An achievement made possible by decades of vision, planning, and leadership.” Further enhancements to the regional network are anticipated within the next year, including the completion of the full 2 Line across Lake Washington and the introduction of 1 Line service further south to Federal Way. Long-term planning also continues, with early scoping underway for the Everett Link light rail extension, a 25.74km project.

Forging a Connected Future for the Puget Sound

The inauguration of the Downtown Redmond Link Extension marks a pivotal achievement for Sound Transit and the communities it serves, heralding a new era of enhanced mobility in east King County. This 3.4-mile, two-station addition to the 2 Line is far more than just new railway infrastructure; it’s a critical step forward in realizing the comprehensive vision of the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) initiative. As the program’s first completed project, it not only enhances connectivity between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue but also sets a strong precedent for future expansions. For residents and commuters, the extension translates into tangible daily benefits: faster, more reliable travel to key employment and leisure destinations, significantly improved access to community assets like Marymoor Park and Redmond’s vibrant downtown core, and seamless integration with the broader regional transit network, encompassing bus services and vital active transportation corridors such as the Eastrail. The project’s meticulous execution, notably its adherence to the $1.5 billion budget and projected timeline, alongside the successful collaboration between public agencies and a consortium of experienced private contractors, underscores the region’s capability to deliver complex, transformative infrastructure effectively. This success fuels considerable optimism for the continued expansion of the light rail system, which is crucial for alleviating vehicular congestion, supporting sustainable urban development, and ultimately improving the quality of life for the burgeoning population of the Puget Sound area. The Downtown Redmond Link Extension stands as a testament to the power of long-term strategic vision and sustained public investment in public transportation, actively shaping a more accessible, economically vibrant, and interconnected future for the entire region.

Key Companies Involved

• Sound Transit (Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority): The public transit agency responsible for planning, building, and operating express bus, commuter rail, and light rail services across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington State. It oversees the multi-billion dollar regional transit expansion program.
• Stacy Witbeck/Kuney JV: A joint venture serving as the design-builder for the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. Both Stacy Witbeck Inc. and Kuney Construction are recognized leaders in heavy civil construction, with extensive experience in transit and transportation infrastructure projects.
• Jacobs: A global professional services firm providing technical, professional, and construction services. Jacobs Engineering Group was a lead in the design phase of the project, contributing expertise in transit design and engineering.
• Hatch: A global multidisciplinary management, engineering, and development consultancy. Hatch contributed significantly to the design leadership for the extension, specializing in complex infrastructure solutions.
• Hensel Phelps: A prominent general contractor and construction manager in the United States. For this project, Hensel Phelps was responsible for constructing the station structures and the parking garage at Marymoor Village Station.
• Mass Electric Construction Co.: A subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, Mass Electric specializes in electrical contracting, particularly for transportation and transit systems. They were involved in delivering critical railway systems.
• Modern Rail Systems: A company specializing in the installation and maintenance of railway systems. They collaborated on the systems scope, including overhead catenary, traction power, signalling, and communications for the extension.