Guide to Federal Way Link: Key Details Unveiled by The Urbanist
Sound Transit is set to launch the Federal Way Link light rail service on Saturday, December 6, marking the culmination of twenty years of efforts. This significant 7.8-mile expansion introduces three new stations south of Angle Lake, making light rail transport available in Kent, Des Moines, and Federal Way for the first time.
Key Features of the Federal Way Link
The Federal Way Link will extend the 1 Line to a total of 41 miles, positioning it as the second longest light rail line in the United States, just behind Los Angeles’s A Line. Travel times from Lynnwood to Federal Way are expected to take 82 minutes. Notably, the service from Federal Way to Sea-Tac Airport will only take 16 minutes, while trips to major sports stadiums will be approximately 43 minutes, and to Downtown Seattle about 50 minutes.
Future Expansion Plans
Federal Way will serve as the southern terminus for the light rail line until at least 2035, when plans include an extension to Tacoma Dome, with additional stops in South Federal Way, Fife, and Tacoma’s Tideflats neighborhood.
Opening Day Celebrations
The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on December 6, allowing elected officials to speak before services commence at 11 a.m. The inaugural train to Lynnwood will depart at 11:01 a.m. Riders eager to experience the full route should catch the train leaving Lynnwood at 9:46 a.m.
- Opening Day Activities:
- Group ride from Capitol Hill Station.
- Celebration at Mama Stortini’s Restaurant & Bar at 1 p.m.
- Prize giveaway for riders stamping tickets at all three stations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Challenges Faced During Construction
The Federal Way Link faced significant obstacles, including a delay caused by problematic soil conditions near McSorley Creek. A landslide during early construction prompted the redesign of the project, which led to the construction of a bridge known as “Structure C” to traverse unstable terrain. Fortunately, this issue only delayed the project by about eighteen months.
The Alignment Debate
There was considerable debate over the route for the light rail, particularly whether to follow State Route 99 or the I-5 alignment. Local governments in Kent, Des Moines, and Federal Way favored the I-5 route, despite some transit advocates arguing that SR 99 would better maximize development opportunities and ridership.
Future of Public Transit in the Region
As sound transit prepares to support riders better with restructured bus routes in the South King County area, the region anticipates new housing and development opportunities near the stations. Federal Way is poised for significant growth, despite past challenges. The upcoming Federal Way Link launch represents not just a new transportation option, but a transformative moment for regional connectivity and development.
The culmination of decades of work, the opening of Federal Way Link is a pivotal moment for South King County, promising to enhance access to jobs, education, and local services for the community.
