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February 9, 2026

National Gold Award — Transportation

Photo courtesy of ACEC
Crews set the Bear Creek pedestrian bridge, providing a new connection through Redmond. Work in the sensitive Bear Creek area required intricate permitting and partnership.

Jacobs
Downtown Redmond Link Extension
Stacy and Witbeck/Kuney, a Joint Venture

The Downtown Redmond Link Extension (DRLE) extends the regional light rail network by 3.4 miles, connecting the Redmond Technology Station at Northeast 40th Street to Redmond Town Center — bringing fast, reliable, and sustainable transit to the heart of the Eastside.

The project exemplifies engineering excellence and thoughtful design integration. The extension’s double-track guideway — spanning elevated and at-grade sections — crosses key natural and urban features including the Sammamish River, Marymoor Park’s northern edge, SR 520, and Bear Creek. Two new stations — one elevated and one at-grade — anchor the system, complemented by a multi-level parking structure that harmonizes with the surrounding community. Beyond the light rail infrastructure, the project incorporates extensive civil and site improvements, roadway enhancements, and state-of-the-art transit systems, all meticulously designed to ensure long-term resilience and rider comfort.

Delivering this milestone project required overcoming a convergence of challenges — environmental complexity, urban constraints and the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the sensitive Bear Creek area, the team navigated an intricate permitting process, partnering closely with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the city of Redmond, and multiple regulatory agencies to safeguard ecosystems while maintaining momentum.

When pandemic restrictions demanded an abrupt shift from a co-located project office to a fully remote environment, Jacobs led a digital transition that harnessed virtual design tools and collaborative platforms to sustain progress without compromising quality or cohesion.

Working within a densely developed corridor also required precise planning and constant coordination among city stakeholders, residents and businesses. Through disciplined communication, adaptive design, and an unwavering focus on community impact, the team delivered a project that meets steep technical and environmental goals and stands as a model of sustainable urban infrastructure.


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