Federal Way Link Light Rail Extension Opens
Sound Transit's 12.6 km extension adds three stations running south from Angle Lake to Federal Way Downtown.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Sound Transit opened the 12.6 km Federal Way Link light rail extension on December 6, 2025. The $2.5 billion project includes three stations and added nearly 2,000 new parking spaces along the line.
Why it matters
The extension expands light rail service in the Seattle-Tacoma region and is part of the Sound Transit 2 regional transport plan approved by voters in 2008. Sound Transit is also preparing to procure new longer vehicles to support planned network expansion.
The $2.5 billion project was funded in part by $790 million in direct federal funding and a $629.5 million federal low-interest loan. The line adds nearly 2,000 new parking spaces, with the largest additions at Star Lake (1,105 spaces) and Kent Des Moines (500 spaces).
The players
Sound Transit
Sound Transit is the regional transit agency serving the Seattle-Tacoma area that built and operates the light rail system.
Kiewit Infrastructure West
Kiewit Infrastructure West is a major North American construction company that designed the extension and carried out its civil works.
Mass Electric Construction Co
Mass Electric Construction Co is an electrical contractor that carried out systems installation, testing, and commissioning on the extension.
The details
The extension runs south from Angle Lake station to Federal Way Downtown, with three stations along its 12.6 km route. Kiewit Infrastructure West designed the extension and carried out civil works, while Mass Electric Construction Co handled systems installation, testing, and commissioning.
Timeline
Summer 2020: Federal Way project groundbreaking held.
September 2025: Early industry engagement held and the 58 m vehicle length was decided.
December 6, 2025: Federal Way Link extension opened.
Expansion Context
The Federal Way Link opening is a segment of the Sound Transit 2 plan approved by voters in 2008. The planned procurement of 70 Series 3 vehicles forms part of the later Sound Transit 3 regional transport plan.
Riders in Federal Way and the surrounding area gain a direct light rail connection to Seattle-Tacoma, with nearly 2,000 new parking spaces added at park-and-ride stations. The longer 58 m vehicles planned for the line are expected to increase passenger capacity by about 8%.
The takeaway
The opening gives Federal Way residents a direct light rail link, and the planned vehicle upgrades suggest the line is designed to grow with demand over time.
What happens next
Sound Transit plans to call tenders in early 2026 for 70 Series 3 light rail vehicles, with an 80-vehicle option under consideration.
Further reading
Explore more Openings & Closings coverage to see how other major infrastructure projects in the region have opened to the public.
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