Project Profile: Downtown Redmond Link Extension

The Downtown Redmond Link Extension is a 5.47 km (3.4-mile) light rail project expanding Sound Transit’s 2 Line into Redmond’s urban core. This profile details the technical specifications, engineering solutions, and strategic objectives of this critical infrastructure, which completes a vital transit corridor connecting the Eastside’s major technology hubs with the broader Puget Sound region.

Technical Specifications

The extension’s design features a dual-track guideway that transitions between at-grade and elevated structures to navigate complex urban terrain. The alignment primarily utilizes existing and former BNSF railway corridors, minimizing new land acquisition. The guideway culminates in two new stations: the at-grade Southeast Redmond Station, designed as a major multimodal hub with 1,400 parking spaces, and the elevated Downtown Redmond Station, engineered to integrate seamlessly into the city’s commercial center. The project’s elevated sections, including a significant crossing over Bear Creek, required complex structural engineering to meet seismic and environmental standards.

Electrification is delivered via a standard overhead catenary system (OCS) powered by multiple traction power substations (TPS) installed along the route. Train movements are governed by an advanced communications-based train control (CBTC) and signaling system, ensuring safe and efficient operations at a peak frequency of 8 minutes. The line operates with Sound Transit’s standard four-car light rail vehicles, each with a capacity of approximately 800 passengers, and includes dedicated space for wheelchairs, bicycles, and luggage to accommodate diverse commuter needs.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Eastside Connectivity: The extension provides a one-seat, high-capacity transit ride from Downtown Redmond’s technology corridor to Bellevue and, via connections, to Seattle, directly addressing regional traffic congestion and supporting economic growth.
• Multimodal Integration Hub: The Southeast Redmond station is purpose-built as a critical transit nexus, integrating light rail with local and regional bus services, park-and-ride facilities, and pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure to maximize network reach.
• High-Capacity, Sustainable Transit: With a projected daily ridership of 43,000 to 52,000 by 2026, the project significantly reduces reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, contributing to regional greenhouse gas reduction targets and promoting sustainable urban development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Downtown Redmond Link Extension open?
The Downtown Redmond Link Extension became fully operational in 2025. It provides a reliable light rail service connecting to the Eastside and Seattle with trains running every eight minutes during peak commute hours.

Who built the Downtown Redmond Link Extension?
The project was delivered for Sound Transit through a design-build contract awarded to a joint venture of Stacy and Witbeck and Kuney Construction. Global engineering firm WSP provided comprehensive project management and design oversight services.