Construction to begin along the Tacoma Link light rail line

Construction is set to begin along the route of Sound Transit's Tacoma Link light rail line, it was announced today. Initial work will begin Monday, July 9th, to prepare for the eventual demolition of the South 25th Street Bridge and the laying of rails along the 1.6 mile route from Tacoma Dome Station to the Theater District.

Initial work prior to the installation of track will include demolition, installation of drainage, utilities, duct banks, sidewalks, power pole foundations and paving. Traffic will be maintained during construction, with temporary closures coordinated through the City of Tacoma. The Notice To Proceed (NTP) on the contract with Merlino Construction was signed by Sound Transit Executive Director Joni Earl.

"This is an exciting time for Sound Transit," said Earl, "Tacoma Link will be the first Sound Transit light rail project and will be another part of downtown Tacoma's renaissance."

The Merlino contract was approved by the Sound Transit Board in February, 2001 but was delayed while talks were conducted with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad about light rail crossing BN/SF tracks at grade at Pacific and S. 17th. Sound Transit has engineered a backup emergency braking system to ensure safe crossings and a revised waiver has been filed with the Federal Railroad Administration.

Construction Update flyer on the Chevron Station Cleanup (pdf)

Construction Update flyer on work along East 25th Street (pdf)

Construction questions can be answered in detail
at the Sound Transit Community Office in Tacoma at
253-572-5484.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.