As we get ready to welcome three new stations in the U District, Roosevelt and Northgate neighborhoods in two months, we want to introduce you to the people behind the progress.
For Sound Transit's Lori Frederick, the Northgate Link Extension is "a collaborative masterpiece."
Frederick is the Principal Construction Manager for civil construction on the extension. She oversees the construction of all of the civil contracts, including all three stations, trackwork, tunnels and more.
She's also our latest "Inside Sound Transit" guest – where we introduce you to the people working to make it easier to get to where you live, work and play!
Frederick has worked at Sound Transit for six years, joining the agency as a direct hire after serving as a Construction Management Consultant starting in 2005.
She was a member of the teams who helped build Beacon Hill Station and the University of Washington to Capitol Hill tunnel, as well as the tunnel from UW Station to the Maple Leaf Portal.
Her favorite part about working on the expansion to Northgate was visiting the project sites.
"I spend so much of my time working through the daily challenges, that it’s easy to forget the other 98 percent of the work that’s humming along successfully," she said. "Lately when I visit the projects, I see completed modern marvels that reflect the commitment and serious grit of so many people."
Now, on to the questions!
Q: What do you tell your friends you do for work?
A: Most of my friends and family are bored by my work talk, especially my daughter (ha). I keep it short and sweet: “I build light rail for Sound Transit.”
Q: What’s your passion outside of your job?
A: I love being outside and am continually awestruck by the natural beauty of the PNW. I’m a passionate snowboarder and am lucky to ride most weekends of the winter season. I also really love food and enjoy cooking with my husband.
Q: What attracted you to work at Sound Transit?
A: Like most of us at the agency, I support Sound Transit’s mission. I am so proud to contribute to improving the community’s quality of life. I also really dig the enormity and complexity of our construction projects.
Q: How do you get to work?
A: Lately I embark on a Teams marathon from the comfort of my living room. I look forward to riding my bike to the office again soon.
Q: What three things would you take with you to a desert island (besides food and water)?
A: My travel to tropical destinations prompts me to want to take bug spray, without a doubt, a giant container of bug spray. I would also bring a library of books to pass the time, and an enormous tent. That actually sounds relaxing.