Seattle construction and transit roundup: hiring contractors and project updates

West Seattle Link Extension design award and project scope

The West Seattle Link Extension is moving from planning toward final design, with a major Dallas-based design firm selected to lead Phase 1. The project covers about 4.1 miles of new light rail that will cross a new bridge and a tunnel, adding four stations and linking Seattle’s SODO area with the Alaska Junction in West Seattle. The overall program is estimated to cost between $6.7 billion and $7.1 billion, and the selected firm will provide design services and design validation for Phase 1. The extension aims to speed up travel for residents and workers, knitting together residential and economic hubs with faster, more reliable service. Planning for this phase began in 2017, and route and station locations were finalized in October 2024. With federal approval now in place, the project is poised to move into final design, with construction expected to start in 2027 and service anticipated by 2032.

The project will connect Seattle’s SODO neighborhood with West Seattle’s Alaska Junction, potentially sparking development around stations including retail and affordable housing. Jacobs, the selected design contractor, has a long history of transportation projects in the Puget Sound region, including prior work on Light Rail expansions. The scope of work for Phase 1 emphasizes design leadership and validation to set a clear path toward construction, coordinating with city and federal agencies as the project progresses toward construction milestones.

Ship Canal Bridge work on I‑5: schedule, closures and lane changes

Public crews are conducting preservation work on the northbound I‑5 side across the Ship Canal Bridge, with weekend prep closures occurring between July 18 and July 21 and ongoing through the period ahead. The work zone reduces northbound lanes to two lanes around the clock starting on the following Monday and continuing through Aug. 15. A lower speed limit of 50 mph is in effect over the work zone. The near-term scope includes resurfacing about 20% of the bridge deck, replacing expansion joints, and continued installation of improved drainage structures. Express lanes will operate northbound only to help manage capacity until mid-August, with southbound drivers facing morning restrictions in the express lanes and potential delays. Entrances in downtown Seattle may be HOV‑only, so drivers should review signage before entering the express lanes. Work is planned to shift to southbound lanes in the fall and winter, with specific southbound closures yet to be announced. The project is part of the Revive I‑5 preservation program, and updates are posted as crews complete each phase of the closure.

Transit and traffic agencies emphasize that the closures are coordinated to maintain as much overall capacity as possible while crews perform resurfacing, expansion joint replacements, and drainage upgrades. Public information channels provide ongoing updates and visuals of work completed during the shutdown periods.

EDEN funding and product focus in Seattle’s contractor market

EDEN, a Seattle-based real estate tech startup founded in 2021, has raised $3.7 million in a fresh round led by Climactic, with participation from Better Ventures, C2 Ventures, and other investors. The eight-person company builds software to help residential HVAC contractors generate instant, personalized quotes by leveraging data such as home square footage, year built, equipment matches, and local rebates. The product goal is to create a more transparent buying experience for homeowners while boosting sales for contractors. Leadership is headed by CEO and founder Ben Phillips, who previously worked as an engineer at several tech firms. Total funding for EDEN to date stands at $4.9 million.

The round highlights how Seattle’s construction-adjacent tech scene continues to evolve, with startups positioning cloud-based tools to improve efficiency, transparency, and conversion in home services markets.

Guidance for homeowners hiring contractors: a practical, step-by-step approach

Across services from siding to large remodels, homeowners can follow a straightforward path to find reliable professionals. A step-by-step approach helps separate strong contractors from the rest and reduces risk of delays, cost overruns, or unsatisfactory results. Begin by clearly defining your project, then decide whether you need a general contractor, a specialist, or a combination. For example, a kitchen remodel may require strong cabinetry and plumbing expertise, while a new roof needs a contractor with structural knowledge and weatherproofing know-how. Localized examples include durable siding services that account for Seattle’s climate and custom-built patios in suburban settings.

Key planning elements include a clear vision (budget, timeline, design preferences) to aid communication. For research, seek referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have undertaken similar work, and review online feedback and local forums for reputational insights. Credential checks are essential: verify licenses, permits, and local building code compliance, and confirm insurance coverage for both general liability and workers’ compensation. When you receive quotes, insist on itemized estimates that separate labor, materials, permits, and potential add-ons. A realistic timeline tends to reflect thoughtful planning rather than overly aggressive promises. From initial contact onward, gauge responsiveness and clarity of communication, and ask how the contractor will manage the project on a day-to-day basis, including any project management tools or routine updates. Above all, prioritize a strong working relationship built on accountability, quality, and respect for your vision. A thoughtful shortlisting of three to five contractors gives you enough to compare approaches, pricing, and communication styles, while asking about past projects similar in scope and reviewing portfolios for consistency and functionality can offer deeper insight.

In sum, a careful, informed choice can lead to a smooth process and lasting results, whether you’re replacing siding, adding a new patio, or undertaking a full remodel. The overarching goal is to align on quality, accountability, and trust from the first conversation through project completion.

Seattle tech and startup activity in the construction and housing sphere

The local tech and startup ecosystem continues to intersect with construction and home services, with several funding rounds and product developments shaping the market. In recent activity, at least a couple of Seattle-founded startups reported significant rounds aimed at construction-site efficiency and home-service workflows. These moves illustrate how software tools are increasingly used to streamline quoting, project management, and vendor coordination in the residential construction space. The broader scene includes ongoing coverage of startup funding, founder experiences, and the development of technology-enabled services that touch homeowners and contractors alike.

FAQ

What is the West Seattle Link Extension and when will it move into final design?

The West Seattle Link Extension is a 4.1‑mile light rail project with four new stations, a bridge and a tunnel, connecting SODO to West Seattle. Phase 1 design is underway after route and station locations were selected, with final design moving forward after federal approval and construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and service expected in 2032.

What are the notable milestones for the I‑5 Ship Canal Bridge work?

Preservation work on the northbound side includes weekend prep closures and ongoing work that reduces northbound lanes to two around the clock through mid‑August, with a reduced speed limit of 50 mph over the work zone. Resurfacing, expansion joint replacements, and drainage upgrades are planned over the next several weeks, and express lanes will operate northbound only to help capacity. Work is expected to shift to southbound lanes later in the year, with dates to be announced.

What is EDEN and what does its funding mean for contractors?

EDEN is a Seattle‑based real estate technology startup focused on helping residential HVAC contractors offer instant, personalized quotes using home data and local rebates. The company recently raised 3.7 million dollars in a round led by Climactic, with other investors supporting growth. This funding supports product development and expansion of services that aim to improve homeowner transparency and contractor sales.

What should homeowners consider when hiring contractors?

Homeowners should define project goals, determine whether they need a general contractor or a specialist, research credentials and references, obtain itemized quotes, verify licenses and permits, ensure insurance coverage, and evaluate communication and project management approaches. A clear vision helps prevent misunderstandings and supports a smoother process from selection to completion.

How can residents stay informed about future work and closures?

Public agencies typically post updates and visual documentation of completed work. Residents can monitor official project pages and signage, and plan around closures and lane configurations, especially for major corridors undergoing maintenance or expansions.

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