Hensel Phelps is proud to celebrate the Sound Transit Downtown Redmond Link Extension project, which earned an Award of Merit for Excellence in Sustainability from the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Northwest Regional Committee.
The $165 million design-build project was recognized among the winners of the 2026 Regional Best Projects competition in the Northwest subregion. An independent panel of architecture, engineering and construction professionals reviewed 39 projects across Washington, Oregon and Alaska, selecting 13 Best Projects and 14 Awards of Merit. Projects were evaluated on their ability to overcome challenges, contribute to the industry and community, and demonstrate safety, construction and design quality.
Expanding Sustainable Transit Access
Stacy Witbeck and Kuney Construction served as joint venture partners for the 3.4-mile extension, part of Sound Transit’s East Link Extension serving Redmond, Washington, with Hensel Phelps delivering the project’s parking garage and station facilities. The turnkey project included design of the infrastructure, track and systems, as well as installation, testing and safety certification to provide Sound Transit with a ready-for-public-use alignment. The project team also supported systems integration.
The project expands public transportation access in Redmond and improves connections between the city and destinations across the Seattle metropolitan area. The scope included at-grade and aerial trackwork, cut-and-cover segments, two stations, a 1,400-stall parking garage, a pedestrian bridge connecting two regional trails, three arterial roadway bridges, two new highway ramps and three guideway bridge structures.
Sustainable Transit Construction from Design Through Delivery
The project team integrated sustainability from the outset. The team developed a sustainability plan during design that identified specific Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits to pursue and established a clear path toward the project’s goals.
The team incorporated low-emitting materials, applied LEED best practices for heating, ventilation and air conditioning design, and maintained a focus on sustainability throughout construction. These measures supported the project’s broader environmental objectives while helping advance certification goals.
Sustainable Solutions and Environmental Restoration
To support LEED Gold certification goals, the project incorporated a photovoltaic array, a system of solar panels that converts sunlight into electricity, to help achieve required credits. The team also completed a comprehensive review process that included charrettes, or collaborative design workshops, and design reviews led by outside experts.
This collaborative process helped the project team evaluate opportunities, confirm sustainability priorities and maintain alignment with the project’s goals throughout delivery. The resulting work demonstrates how early planning, technical coordination and sustained project-wide commitment can reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency and create long-term value for owners and stakeholders.
The project also constructed elevated light rail guideway and a 232-foot pedestrian bridge over Bear Creek, connecting two existing regional trails. The work included floodplain and riparian restoration, which involves restoring vegetation and natural habitats along the banks of rivers and streams, to support the health of a productive salmon stream.
Working in close coordination with stakeholders, the team removed a derelict, creosote-treated wood railroad bridge; installed large wood along the stream to improve habitat and provide refuge for fish; enhanced more than two acres of riparian wetlands; controlled invasive vegetation; planted additional trees and restored the stream and floodplain to a more natural condition adjacent to the light rail bridge.
The team completed all in-water work during a single environmental work window, reducing the duration of construction impacts on the stream and surrounding habitat.
Recognizing an Award-Winning Team
The Award of Merit for Excellence in Sustainability recognizes the collective effort of the project team, partners and client. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to delivering this award-winning project and advancing sustainable transit construction in the Pacific Northwest.
