Engineering News-Record Names Sound Transit Owner of the Year

Sound Transit

Sound Transit has been recognized as the 2022 Owner of the Year by the editors of Engineering News-Record (ENR) for the Northwest region of the U.S.

ENR is an engineering and construction publication covering industry news throughout the country. The publication recognizes project owners annually for excellence in the planning, design, construction and project management of large-scale construction projects.

“Our region is making history through the scale and ambitiousness of our work to expand transportation options that will help carry our riders, environmental sustainability and economy into the future,” said Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm. “We’re deeply dedicated to our region and our industry and proud to receive this honor. 2023 will be a year of continued focus on quality.”

The transit agency’s major plans for 2023 include launching service on the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension, doubling service on the T Line, and opening parking garages at the Lynnwood Transit Center and the Puyallup Sounder Station, according to a news release. 

The agency recently announced updated timelines for five major extension projects in 2023 that have thus far seen delays but noted its commitment to making this information transparent for commuters and other stakeholders, as reported by RT&S. 

“We’re honored that ENR recognized Sound Transit’s incredible work on the largest transit expansion project in the nation,” said Kent Keel, Sound Transit Board chair and University Place board member. “Thanks to the commitment of the region’s taxpayers and the Federal Transit Administration, the agency and its construction partners have continued to make progress toward building a new and greener way to get around our region.”

Throughout the next several years, Sound Transit aims to more than double the Link light-rail system, with plans to grow the system from 26 miles to 62 miles. Further light-rail extensions are planned to Tacoma, Everett, West Seattle, Ballard, South Kirkland, Issaquah and Tacoma Community College. The agency also plans to launch a new Stride bus rapid transit service connecting communities north, east and south of Lake Washington.

RT&S has routinely covered the described work completed by Sound Transit, which is available to view here.