Jacobs Selected to Design Light Rail Extension in Seattle

Rhea-AI Summary

Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected to provide design services for Sound Transit's West Seattle Link Extension, a significant transportation infrastructure project. The extension will add 4.1 miles of light rail, including a new bridge, tunnel, and four stations, connecting Seattle's SODO neighborhood to West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.

The project, scheduled to begin service in 2032, will reduce travel times by up to 50% on key lines and serve as an alternative to the West Seattle Bridge during peak demand. Jacobs, with $12 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of 45,000, will lead Phase 1 design and design validation for the extension.

Positive

• Contract win for major infrastructure project strengthens Jacobs' presence in Seattle region
• Project leverages company's 70-year experience in Puget Sound transportation solutions
• Extension will reduce travel times by up to 50% on key lines
• Project will catalyze new development opportunities near stations

Negative

• Long project timeline with service not beginning until 2032
• Project subject to potential risks including inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainties

Insights

Infrastructure Investment Analyst

Jacobs secures strategic Seattle light rail design contract, strengthening its $12B infrastructure portfolio in a key urban transportation market.

This contract win for Jacobs represents a significant addition to the company's transportation infrastructure portfolio. The West Seattle Link Extension is a 4.1-mile light rail project that includes complex engineering elements: a new bridge, tunnel, and four stations connecting Seattle's SODO area to West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.

What makes this particularly valuable is Jacobs' established presence in the region, having delivered approximately 30 miles of light rail expansions for Sound Transit over their 70-year history in Puget Sound. This project leverages their existing relationship and domain expertise, potentially improving profit margins compared to entering new territories.

The 2032 service commencement timeline suggests a multi-year revenue stream from this design contract. Infrastructure projects of this complexity typically generate substantial fees during the design phase, which often represents 8-10% of total project costs for light rail systems.

Beyond immediate revenue, this project strengthens Jacobs' credentials in sustainable transportation solutions—a growing sector as cities worldwide invest in mass transit to reduce emissions. The contract also positions Jacobs for potential follow-on work during construction phases and future Sound Transit expansions, creating a pipeline effect that extends beyond this single award.

For a company with $12 billion in annual revenue, individual contract values matter less than strategic positioning in high-growth infrastructure segments, which this award accomplishes by reinforcing Jacobs' leadership in urban mobility solutions.

Expanded transit network will provide reliable mobility and enhanced community connections

DALLAS, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected to provide design services for Sound Transit's West Seattle Link Extension. This project will expand Seattle's light rail network, enhancing connectivity for residential and economic centers, and offering faster, more reliable service.

The West Seattle Link Extension will add 4.1 miles of light rail, a new bridge, tunnel and four new stations, connecting Seattle's SODO neighborhood with West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood. Jacobs will lead Phase 1 design and design validation for the extension.

"Jacobs has delivered some of Puget Sound's most critical transportation solutions for 70 years, including approximately 30 miles of light rail system expansions for Sound Transit," said Jacobs Executive Vice President Ron Williams. "Transportation infrastructure enhances mobility and provides vital economic growth and community opportunities. The West Seattle Link Extension will serve as a gateway to the community, with streetscapes and public spaces that resonate with residents, while reducing travel times and improving access to jobs, education and services in the Seattle area."

Expected to begin service in 2032, the West Seattle Link Extension will reduce travel times on key lines by up to 50 percent. It will also offer commuters an alternative to the West Seattle Bridge during periods of peak demand. The delivery of this piece of critical infrastructure will also be the catalyst for new development near stations, including retail opportunities and a focus on affordable housing.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world's most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we're creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.  

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations, as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, uncertainties as to, the timing of the award of projects and funding and potential changes to the amounts provided for under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other legislation and executive orders related to governmental spending, including any directive to federal agencies to reduce federal spending or the size of the federal workforce, and changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including the impact of, and changes to tariffs and retaliatory tariffs or trade policies, that may adversely impact our future financial positions or results of operations, as well as general economic conditions, including inflation and the actions taken by monetary authorities in response to inflation, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in capital markets, the possibility of a recession or economic downturn, and increased uncertainty and risks, including policy risks and potential civil unrest, relating to the outcome of elections across our key markets and elevated geopolitical tension and conflicts, among others. For a description of these and additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.

For press/media inquiries:
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SOURCE Jacobs

FAQ

What is the scope of Jacobs' West Seattle Link Extension project?

The project includes 4.1 miles of light rail, a new bridge, tunnel, and four new stations connecting Seattle's SODO neighborhood with West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.

When will the West Seattle Link Extension begin service?

The extension is expected to begin service in 2032.

How will the West Seattle Link Extension impact travel times?

The extension will reduce travel times on key lines by up to 50 percent and provide an alternative to the West Seattle Bridge during peak demand.

What is Jacobs' (NYSE: J) current annual revenue and employee count?

Jacobs reports approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and employs a team of almost 45,000 people.

What is Jacobs' experience with Sound Transit projects?

Jacobs has delivered approximately 30 miles of light rail system expansions for Sound Transit and has been providing transportation solutions in Puget Sound for 70 years.