Sound Transit Wednesday celebrated breaking ground on the first phase of construction of a new Sounder commuter train station in Edmonds. The transit hub, scheduled to open next spring, will replace a temporary structure south of the Amtrak station with a new east platform, passenger shelter, re-paved parking area, upgraded lighting, and secured storage for bicycles.

“Once complete, our new station at Edmonds will serve as a major transit hub for thousands of people who ride the Sounder train, Community Transit buses, and Washington State ferries each day,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper. “The new station will be more functional, pedestrian-friendly, and reflect the unique character of our community.”

Conceived to improve service connections between train, bus and ferry riders, the $12.9-million project includes a transit center with three bus bays and two passenger shelters at the north end of the station. Sound Transit will also install a storm drainage system to address frequent flooding at the site.

“Sound Transit is pleased to begin construction of an expanded station in Edmonds,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Commuters and residents have waited patiently for this project to come to fruition; soon, they will have access to a contemporary, multi-use transit center that will serve their diverse transportation needs.”

During the first phase of construction, the station’s south parking lot will be closed, with temporary parking provided on the north side of the Amtrak Depot and on Admiral Way just south of the station. Future plans for the transit center include a new passenger platform that will lie west of a second set of tracks planned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, and a second east platform north of the Amtrak station.

The agency has hired the Seattle-based engineering firm KPFF for preliminary and final design services, and local contractor Pellco Construction, Inc. to build the station.