Sound Transit marks Kent Station construction with groundbreaking

Today, Sound Transit and project partners celebrated the advent of heavy construction on the Kent Station Parking and Access Improvements project with a groundbreaking ceremony. When complete in 2027, the $62 million garage with 400-plus stalls will serve Sounder S Line passengers and users of Sound Transit Express and King County Metro services in Kent, which is a key mobility hub for South King County residents.

As part of the project, a bus layover facility with electric charging stations will be constructed for King County Metro. Previously, Sound Transit added 14 new smart bicycle lockers (reservable by the hour) at Kent Station. The agency also funded an improved pedestrian crossing at 2nd Avenue North and James Street. The City of Kent completed that work in 2021.

“Given the growth we are experiencing, this project will provide a needed increase in access to Sounder, the region and all the economic opportunities it contains,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “It’s great to see these investments in transit access begin to come to fruition.”

“Giving people more affordable access to regional transit benefits us all,” said Sound Transit Deputy CEO Terri Mestas. “This project helps cement Kent’s role as a regional connection to the destinations where we live, work and play.”

Sound Transit's Sounder S Line train service gives South King County residents a dependable, traffic-free commute to and from Seattle. The trip, with Wi-Fi, from Kent Station to Seattle's King Street Station takes about 30 minutes. Weekend service is also offered for select major sporting events and concerts.

Kent Station is also served by Sound Transit Express bus 566 and multiple King County Metro routes. Find S Line and ST Express schedule information at https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/schedules-maps.