KENT, WA – November 2025 — Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) project is nearing completion, marking a major milestone in expanding the Puget Sound region’s light rail network. The nearly eight-mile extension will connect SeaTac to Federal Way via mostly elevated tracks and introduce three new stations — Kent Des Moines (near Highline College), Star Lake, and Downtown Federal Way.
The new line will provide seamless connections to regional transit services, including ST Express, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit. Each station is designed for convenient transfers between Link light rail and buses, featuring dedicated pickup and drop-off zones, pedestrian-friendly access, and accommodations for cyclists and paratransit riders. In total, the project will add 3,200 new parking spaces across the route.
Faster Connections Across the Region
Once operational, the FWLE will dramatically reduce travel times:
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Federal Way Downtown Station to Sea-Tac Airport: 16 minutes
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Kent Des Moines to Downtown Seattle: 42 minutes
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Federal Way Downtown Station to Downtown Seattle: 50 minutes
Project Progress and Next Steps
The project has now reached substantial completion, paving the way for systems testing and operator familiarization. Sound Transit expects to begin safety and systems testing in fall 2025, ahead of the planned Revenue Service Date of December 6, 2025.
Earlier this year, Sound Transit opened a new bus loop at Federal Way Downtown Station, enhancing service for Sound Transit Express, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit buses. The old transit center was closed and demolished to make way for the station’s final construction phase, which includes installation of security systems, street grid completion, and other finishing work.
Planning for the Future of Mobility
Sound Transit is also collaborating with King County Metro on the South Link Connections mobility project, which will help adapt the regional bus and transit network in anticipation of FWLE’s opening. The initiative aims to ensure that the expanded Link service complements local routes and meets evolving community transportation needs.
For more information, visit the South Link Connections project page or contact the project team at fwle@soundtransit.org. For after-hours construction concerns, residents can call the 24-hour hotline at 888-298-2395.