RAIL: Sound Transit to open new light-rail station in Seattle

Launching four years earlier than originally planned, officials say the $383 million South 200th Link Extension spanning 1.6 miles in the Seattle area will open $40 million under the budget outlined in Sound Transit 2, the voter-approved plan developed in 2008 to further Sound Transit’s expansion.

The Sound Transit Board approved plans to expedite the project by four years after congressional leaders assisted the board in securing $10 million in TIGER grant funding. Officials say the extension will be the agency’s first design-build project to have been completed.

Running from Sea-Tac Airport to South 200th Street and 28th Avenue South, the extension features an elevated guideway and station that will serve as the southern terminus for Link until the Kent/Des Moines extension’s expected 2023 launch.

Representatives say the facility offers covered waiting areas, secured bicycle storage and a nearby transfer location for local and RapidRide bus connections.

Officials intend for the Angle Lake Station to serve 5,400 riders during weekdays by 2018.