Sound Transit recently announced details about the light rail station to be built in Kent at the existing Star Lake Park & Ride lot on South 272nd Street, just off of Interstate 5.
The station will be at the edge of the wooded areas with northwest modern architecture and art to complement the surrounding area. The landscaping and lighting will consider the needs of the residents in surrounding communities while creating a safe and distinctive station design to support the needs of light rail and bus riders and other community members, according to a Sound Transit project update.
Sound Transit plans to start construction in late 2019 on a 7.8-mile extension of light rail from SeaTac to Federal Way. The $2.5 billion project is expected to be completed in 2024.
Design of the station’s canopy will include high windows, providing shelter from the elements and plenty of light for riders on the platform. The parking structure will include 1,100 parking spaces.
Sound Transit prioritizes safety and, consistent with agency standards, the station will incorporate crime prevention through environmental design principles. Those elements to increase visibility to pedestrian activity in the station include:
• Glass windscreens at light rail and bus waiting areas
• Glass elevator walls
• Landscaping designed and maintained to support visibility. For instance, ground cover is limited to 3 feet tall and trees will be planted and trimmed to keep bottom branches at 8 feet and above
• Lighting that will feel inviting and safe
Sound Transit worked with the city of Kent and the community to select a theme for the artwork at this station. The theme ‘Light at the Edge of the Forest,’ will convey a warm welcoming glow for the community and riders enjoying this future station. There will be an additional opportunity for public input on the station concept, once Sound Transit is in the final design stage.
New stations also are planned for near South 236th Street and Pacific Highway South in Kent and near South 320th Street at the Federal Way Transit Center. The agency plans to build 500 parking spots in a garage at Kent/Des Moines and add 400 spaces in a new garage to its existing 1,200 spots at the Federal Way Transit Center.
The route will go from the Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to I-5 and along the west side of the freeway until heading west toward Pacific Highway South in Kent, then back along I-5 to get to Federal Way. About 60 percent of the line will be at-grade and about 40 percent on an elevated guideway.
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