PCL Construction has officially broken ground on a $274 million bus rapid transit (BRT) operations terminal in Bothell, Washington, a major component of Sound Transit’s new Stride BRT network designed to connect communities around Lake Washington.

Announced on August 12, the project marks a significant investment in expanding regional transit options while advancing Sound Transit’s ambitious target of achieving carbon-free operations for all facilities and fleets by 2050.

The 12.5-acre site will serve as the operational hub for Stride, supporting up to 120 articulated and double-decker buses, including the system’s first battery-electric vehicles. The complex will allow for the storage, fueling or charging, cleaning, and maintenance of the fleet to ensure efficient service for commuters across the region.

Sound Transit’s Stride BRT lines are planned to provide “fast, frequent and reliable bus service connecting to Link light rail and to communities north, east and south of Lake Washington,” according to the agency. Stride buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes, utilizing dedicated lanes and HOV routes to bypass congestion and improve reliability.

As part of the project scope, PCL will construct:

• An 18,000-square-foot administration and operations building.
• A 78,500-square-foot maintenance facility equipped for propulsion systems, electronics, inspections and tire work.
• A multi-level parking structure with ground-floor bus storage and employee parking above, integrating fueling, washing, and support systems.
• New right-of-way and roadway improvements, including expanded access from 20th Avenue SE to handle higher transit volumes.

The terminal is also being designed with capacity for future expansion to accommodate growth in the Stride fleet. Substantial completion is expected in 2027, with Stride service projected to begin as early as 2028.

PCL Construction, headquartered in Denver for its U.S. operations, has a long history of collaboration with Sound Transit. “We’re excited to be part of a project that will improve mobility, create opportunity and deliver long-term benefits to the people of this region,” said Andrew Fernandez, district manager for PCL.

Over the past 25 years, PCL has partnered with Sound Transit on more than 11 projects that have shaped transit and infrastructure across the Puget Sound region. The new terminal continues that legacy by combining advanced facilities, sustainability goals, and long-term mobility improvements for one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas.

Originally reported by Julie Strupp in Construction Dive.