Construction

Construction timeline

We are now entering the construction phase. Sound Transit is advertising the project contracts for bidding, and the bidding phase will continue through 2025. There are several different contracts, and we expect to finish awarding all contracts by the fourth quarter of 2025 (this is subject to change). Construction start dates for Stride projects will vary depending on the segment and scope of work. We’ll share more information once construction schedules are finalized. Subscribe to our email list to stay tuned for future updates and upcoming events.  

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is leading the delivery of portions of the Stride system in conjunction with I-405 improvement projects. Stride projects led by WSDOT started construction in 2022. For more information, please read the Partnerships section below.

Crew views I-405 traffic during Bellevue Downtown Station construction.

Soon we’ll begin construction of Sound Transit-delivered Stride projects:

  • Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility.
  • Burien Transit Center (S1).
  • Renton Transit Center (S1).
  • Poplar Way in Lynnwood (S2).
  • NE 145th St in Seattle and Shoreline (S3).
  • Lake Forest Park (S3).
  • Kenmore and Bothell (S3).
  • Installation of all Stride shelters, communication systems, furnishings, and other platform amenities (S1, S2, S3).

Good neighbor commitments

We will select contractors in 2025 and will work with them to develop a detailed construction schedule. Sound Transit is committed to being a good neighbor to businesses and communities near construction areas. Our commitments are that we will:

  • Provide advance notifications of construction.
  • Maintain business and residential access.
  • Maintain clean work sites.
  • Minimize noise, dust, and debris.
  • Provide wayfinding and signage.
  • Provide a 24-hour construction hotline.
  • Help prepare businesses for construction through the business relations program.
Construction crews speaking with members of the public.

What to expect during construction

As we start construction in phases along the Stride corridor, we will alert nearby neighbors and businesses about any upcoming activity. During active construction, different communities along Stride routes can expect:

  • Demolition and removal of pavement and sidewalk in preparation for new Stride stations, business access lanes, and transit lanes.
  • Construction of retaining walls along Bothell Way and SR 522.
  • Utility work and installation of new lighting.
  • Noise, dust, and vibrations from construction.
  • Construction vehicles transporting materials in and out of construction areas.
  • Materials and equipment staged within active Stride work areas.
  • Temporary parking restrictions and changes in parking access.
  • Temporary, limited access to driveways and doorways.
  • Lane, intersection, crosswalk, and sidewalk closures and detours.
  • Bus reroutes during construction. Notifications for temporary bus reroutes or bus stop relocations will be provided by the transit provider.

Partnerships

To prepare for Stride service in the region, Sound Transit has partnered with the Washington State Department of Transportation, cities surrounding Lake Washington, and other transit agencies to build new infrastructure and improve transit connections. Construction on these projects is already underway.

Partnering with WSDOT

We’ve worked with WSDOT on a variety of projects over the past 20 years to transform regional transportation, and Stride is a continuation of this partnership. Sound Transit is distributing funds to WSDOT to build portions of the Stride system in conjunction with I-405 improvement projects. WSDOT is leading the construction and communications of several key projects related to Stride, including:

*Note: Pending Sound Transit Board approval.

A line of shovels in the ground during a Sound Transit groundbreaking.
Lynnwood Groundbreaking September 3, 2019.

The S1 and S2 lines build upon the WSDOT I-405 Master Plan with BRT stations and roadway improvements for faster travel. All of these projects include changes to existing highway interchanges that will support Stride stations and new express toll lanes. The new express toll lanes will help ensure Stride buses are fast, frequent, and reliable by making it easier for Stride buses to bypass traffic. Because Stride inline stations have direct access to I-405 express toll lanes, buses do not need to exit the highway to access stations, allowing for one continuous ride with faster travel times.

Elected officials visit the Shoreline South Station.

City partnerships

We’re also partnering with cities surrounding Lake Washington to invest in transportation and pedestrian improvements. Pedestrian improvements are focused on connecting people to Stride stations; for example, Sound Transit is supporting the City of Kirkland on a new pedestrian and bicycle path that connects to the Kirkland/NE 85th Station. Sound Transit is also supporting the City of Shoreline’s 145th Street and I-5 Interchange Project to improve safety and transit access along the NE 145th Street corridor.