Sound Transit, Federal Way Link Extension Phase III

Burns established preliminary designs and construction cost estimates for the 7.8-mile light rail transit line.

Sound Transit is building the most ambitious transit expansion in the country, enhancing mobility options and providing traffic congestion relief for growing South King County.

The southern expansion is anticipated to bring light rail to 30,000 riders per day, while laying the path for future extensions to Pierce County.

Supporting HDR, Burns developed advanced conceptual designs of all communications, train control and signals, traction power, and overhead catenary systems. Interdisciplinary collaboration streamlined preliminary designs, saving time and improving accuracy.

Simulations modeled operational characteristics of the eight-substation, 1,500-volt DC traction power supply system. Drawing upon decades of DC traction power experience, Burns forecast power demands for the Federal Way extension as well as future Sound Transit expansions, ensuring substation reliability without the need to overengineer the system.

The $3-billion project is expected to complete construction in 2026.

Images courtesy of Sound Transit.

Location

Seattle, WA

Client

Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit)

Industry

Railroad + Transit

Expertise

Rail Electrification

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Sound Transit, Federal Way Link Extension Phase III

Burns established preliminary designs and construction cost estimates for the 7.8-mile light rail transit line.

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