March 2026 update: Metro’s Fixed Assets State of Good Repair Program

This is a brief update on key procurements related to the State of Good Repair Program, a multi-year effort to renew and replace vital infrastructure to maintain a high level of reliability, service and safety to its ridership and community. The program includes multiple transit maintenance bases and route facility improvements located across various Metro sites in King County. 

For more information on projects including schedules, see previous updates  here: King County Metro State of Good Repair Program July 2025 update 

Bundle 1 – SGR Facility and Infrastructure Improvements

The Architecture/Engineering contract (KC001295) has completed selection and has been awarded to TKDA.

The General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) contract (KC001248) has completed selection and is in negotiation with award expected late Q1 or early Q2 of 2026. Initial work will include outreach and development of a work packaging, inclusion and subcontracting plan with the first construction expected to begin later this year. Upcoming subcontracting opportunities and opportunities for input will be posted as plans are developed.  

Bundle 2 – SGR Electrical & Trolley Infrastructure update:

State of Good Repair Bundle 2 is expected to consist of eight elements focused on electrical infrastructure refurbishment, primarily focused on sustaining and improving Metro’s trolley bus system. It is expected to include switchgear, medium voltage switches, and substation replacements. Initial estimates for the eight elements are $58.6 million, subject to validation as planning and design advances.  

The work is currently planned to be delivered through a Progressive Design-Build contract. Under this method, design and construction teams are hired based primarily on qualifications to jointly develop plans and costs meeting the owner’s requirements. This approach will allow Metro to work collaboratively with the selected teams to identify significant consulting, supply and construction subcontracting opportunities which would be selected later and phase the work across the system. The contract will be subject to prior approval by the State of Washington’s Capital Projects Advisory Review Board Project Review Committee (PRC).

Two of the project elements have received design funding, with the others expected to receive funding in future years. Metro anticipates selecting a team consisting of the prime contractor(s) and designer(s) in the initial selection and collaboratively selecting a large portion of remaining team members later to maximize opportunities for participation by a diverse array of firms. 

Previously, the work including planning, PRC application and the solicitation process was expected to begin early in 2026 but has been delayed. Metro has not yet determined a forecasted date to begin the work. Updates will be posted as the schedule is defined.  

Questions?

• Bundle 1 GC/CM contract (KC001248): Kelly McKeever, Contract Specialist (Kelly.McKeever@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-9389) 
• Bundle 1 A/E contract (KC001295) and Bundle 2 SGR Electrical & Trolley Infrastructure: Barry Hennelly, Transit Engineer V (bhennelly@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-0469)