Global infrastructure firm AECOM has secured three contracts tied to a major light-rail expansion initiative in the Seattle metropolitan area.
The work is part of a collection of 19 multiple-award task order contracts expected to generate approximately $1 billion in engineering services as regional transit infrastructure continues to expand.
The contracts were awarded by Sound Transit, which oversees public transit development across the Seattle region.
The Dallas-based engineering company will provide construction management services through three contracts that cover a variety of infrastructure activities including civil and structural engineering support, preliminary engineering work and full design development.
“The full scope of our services — spanning design, environmental and project management support — underscores the deep value we offer our clients,” said Matt Crane, chief executive of AECOM’s U.S. West region.
Under the agreements, AECOM will deliver services related to planning, engineering and project oversight across several transit upgrade initiatives.
The five-year design contract will include planning and environmental review services, helping guide project development from early assessments through final design.
In addition, the company will participate in project and construction management services tied to major capital expansion programs and system improvements throughout the region.
For certain environmental service tasks, the firm will work as a subconsultant supporting planning activities for both new infrastructure construction and renewal projects.
These services will include systemwide planning, infrastructure assessments, investigations and environmental clearance processes needed before major construction can begin.
Although the contracts are tied to a broader $1 billion program, specific financial values for the individual awards were not disclosed. Multiple-award task order contracts typically assign funding incrementally as individual project assignments are issued.
The engineering work supports the Sound Transit 3 capital program, one of the largest transportation infrastructure initiatives currently underway in North America.
Originally approved by voters to expand light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit services across the region, the ST3 program has grown significantly in scope over time.
Recent reports indicate the program’s projected cost has expanded to as much as $185 billion, driven largely by inflation, construction cost increases and schedule adjustments.
Despite these financial pressures, officials say the multiple-award task order contract structure used for the engineering services program could reduce overall project costs by roughly 5%.
Under this structure, multiple engineering and consulting firms are prequalified to compete for individual assignments, allowing agencies to accelerate project delivery and potentially reduce costs through competitive bidding.
In total, Sound Transit has issued 19 contracts under the engineering services program to support upgrades across the regional transit network.
The work includes planning and engineering for new transit facilities, infrastructure improvements and state-of-good-repair projects intended to maintain and modernize the system.
Another engineering firm, Parsons, was also selected for a position on the same multiple-award task order contract program in late 2025.
Together, these contracts will support transit expansion and infrastructure upgrades across the broader Seattle metropolitan region.
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The contract awards represent a significant addition to AECOM’s growing infrastructure portfolio.
Company executives have recently highlighted transportation infrastructure and program management as key growth areas for the firm.
According to comments from Gaurav Kapoor during a recent earnings call, demand for program management and transportation-related services is expected to continue rising in the near term.
Kapoor also noted that state and municipal construction budgets appear stronger than previously anticipated, suggesting continued investment in local infrastructure projects across the United States.
As public agencies push forward with major transportation improvements, engineering firms like AECOM are expected to play a central role in planning, design and project delivery for large-scale transit initiatives.
Originally reported by Sebastian Obando, Reporter in Construction Dive.
