SEATTLE, WA — Kimley-Horn is leading the next phase of Sound Transit’s Link expansion program — the 16.3-mile Everett Link Extension (EVLE) and Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) North project, which will add six stations to the light rail network connecting to the under-construction Lynnwood Link Extension at the Lynnwood City Center and extend Link service north further into Snohomish County.

The EVLE project was included as part of its ST3 ballot measure passed in 2016. It is the first new corridor on which Sound Transit has authorized work since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set to open in 2036, EVLE is the longest and northernmost extension in the Sound Transit system and will provide premium transit service between Lynnwood and Everett. This phase of the project consists of alternatives development planning work that will progress into project development, including the draft and final EIS and up to 30 percent engineering design. The project is a team effort that will connect its surrounding communities.

“We’re excited about the start of the alternatives development process and the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders and partner agencies," said Kamuron Gurol, Sound Transit North Corridor Director. "The Everett Link project will further extend the light rail spine and will provide a reliable and speedy connection for Snohomish County communities to the rest of the system.”

As prime consultant for EVLE, Kimley-Horn is providing overall project management and key oversight of the planning and environmental processes. Key project partners include Parsons, Mott MacDonald, EnviroIssues, and Shannon & Wilson. The firm is also supported by a diverse team of specialty subconsultant partners, including 16 firms that are either a disadvantaged business enterprise or a small business enterprise.

Kimley-Horn opened its Seattle, Washington office, which provides both public and private consulting services. The Seattle team provides what Kimley-Horn is best known for: local expertise with the resources of a national firm. With current Seattle projects ranging from $1,000 to $15 million, Kimley-Horn is equipped to deliver quality client service and respond to project needs no matter the size.The Kimley-Horn Seattle office has a local team with a national resume. Recent development projects in the area include bringing dozens of EV charging stations to the Seattle metro area, multi-family urban infill projects in Seattle, various retail projects, and industrial developments in several jurisdictions.

Development Services team members include:

• Jody Belsick, PE, LEED AP, Principal Civil Engineer for Allegiant Stadium with a focus on site civil and due diligence
• Wade Watkinson, PE, with a focus on water resources and urban infill
• Jessica Murray with a focus on local permitting and retail
• Stacie Steel, PE, with a focus on asset management and ADA design and compliance

This team is also supported by many more local team members ready to serve the Pacific Northwest market.

Kimley-Horn’s local Seattle transit team is led by Paul Danielson, PE, who helped grow Kimley-Horn’s Twin Cities, Minnesota, office to more than 200 employees and has served as Project Manager for major rail and transit projects across the country. The roadway and aviation team is led by David Williams, PE, who has over 25 years of local Seattle experience.

“I am excited to bring our national transit resume to the Pacific Northwest, and I look forward to collaborating with our local partners and particularly the staff at Sound Transit," Danielson said. "They have an ambitious program that we’re proud to be part of.”