Lynnwood transit hub is ready to roll

LYNNWOOD — Hailing the new regional transportation hub in Snohomish County, Sound Transit and other agencies today will formally introduce a new transit center in Lynnwood.

After five years of planning and just more than a year of construction, the new $34 million transit center is on the site of the existing park-and-ride lot on 44th Avenue W., near I-5.

The center opened Sept. 28, but a public ceremony dedicating it is at 10 a.m. today. Sound Transit chairman and King County Executive Ron Sims, and U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., are expected to speak.

The expanded center features 20 bus bays, larger and more-sheltered passenger waiting areas, increased lighting and 300 more parking spaces for commuters. Sound Transit officials are looking for an espresso stand operator for the site, and Community Transit is moving its RideStore, where people can buy bus passes.

The north parking lot of the center, which holds about 275 vehicles, could eventually be developed into a parking garage with retail shops on the ground level, Edwards said.

In another year, work on a carpool lane off I-5 that will bring drivers directly into the center will be complete, officials say.

"We have 42 projects ongoing in Regional Express, and this is what we consider one of the big four," said Jim Edwards, chief engineer for Regional Express, Sound Transit’s bus system. "This is the first of the four to come online."

The new center and the direct carpool lane offramp are expected to cut the drive through Lynnwood by about 15 minutes for drivers passing through at rush hour because buses will avoid congested intersections in Lynnwood and carpools on I-5 won’t have to cut across the freeway to access the park-and-ride.

Lynnwood, already the county’s transportation hub, is a prime location for the center because it is just south of the intersection of I-5 and I-405.

"Most of (Community Transit’s) service goes through there," said Lee Somerstein, a Sound Transit spokesman. "And it’s a key point for our express buses through there. With all traffic through there, it just makes sense."

Nearly a half-million dollars was added to the project after some poor soils were found where an undiscovered streambed existed. Crews had to over-excavate the area and refill it with soil dense enough to support a concrete foundation.

Lynnwood officials are excited about the center. Roughly half of Lynnwood’s 33,000 population works outside the city.

"It provides transportation for a lot of the people who live in Lynnwood and work outside of Lynnwood," planning director Jim Cutts said.

Cutts also noted the new center will serve as a third anchor for the new City Center, which is still in the works.

"The transit facility, the new convention center and Alderwood Mall — between those three things, there’s almost $200 million worth of investment into our community," Cutts said.

Reporter Victor Balta:

425-339-3455 or

vbalta@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves 2025-26 budget

After facing an estimated $8.5 million shortfall earlier in the year, the board passed a balanced budget Tuesday.

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Auditor: No need for feds to meddle with state or local elections

Garth Fell’s comments were in response to a report of Justice Department mulling criminal charges against election officials.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.