The Daily Dig
Sound Transit's Board has approved a $350 million progressive design-build contract with Hoffman Construction Company of Washington for the Operations and Maintenance Facility South. The site spans approximately 70 acres at South 336th Street in Federal Way and is scheduled for completion in 2032.
The facility is designed to store, test, commission, and maintain at least 72 Series 3 light rail vehicles, each 95 feet long. It will also include a maintenance-of-way building, support facilities, and mainline track providing direct access to the yard. The OMF South is intended to support future service levels across all Link light rail lines.
The current $350 million contract covers final design, site preparation, roadway improvements, long-lead material procurement, and construction staging and support. Sound Transit noted that the full project baseline budget and total cost of completion will require additional Board action.
When operational, the facility will employ more than 610 people in living wage positions, making it a significant economic presence in South King County.
Project Snapshot:
Project: Operations and Maintenance Facility South (OMF South)
Owner: Sound Transit
Contractor: Hoffman Construction Company of Washington
Delivery Method: Progressive Design-Build
Contract Value: $350 million (current scope)
Location: South 336th Street, Federal Way, Washington
Site Size: 70 acres
Sector: Public Transit / Light Rail Infrastructure
Scope: Final design, site prep, roadway improvements, long-lead procurement, staging and support facilities
Capacity: Storage, testing, commissioning, and maintenance for at least 72 Series 3 light rail vehicles (95 ft each)
Facility Includes: Maintenance-of-way building, support facilities, mainline track access
Target Completion: 2032
Workforce Impact: 610+ living wage jobs at completed facility
Program: Supports all Link light rail lines
TheJobWalk Thoughts
Progressive design-build on a project of this scale means Hoffman is being brought in as a partner, not just a builder. That early seat at the table creates real opportunity for subcontractors who can engage now, before scope is locked. Waiting until construction documents are finalized is waiting too long.
Long-lead material procurement is explicitly listed in the contract scope. For suppliers of rail equipment, electrical gear, and specialized mechanical systems, the procurement window is opening now, not in 2030.
Sound Transit flagged that total project cost still needs Board approval. GCs and subs tracking this work should watch for that action closely, since it will signal the full funding picture and the path to construction phase awards.
