Train passengers in the Pacific Northwest can look forward to an upgraded ride next year in the new Amtrak Airo, and with it comes a new $300 million facility in Seattle now under construction specifically for its care.

The contract was awarded to PCL Construction Services in 2024. Pre-construction work began shortly after, which largely included relocating operations such as the weld shop and "wheel gardens."

"The new upgraded King Street Yard will enable modern, more efficient maintenance practices, and support the introduction of new Amtrak Airo trains set to enter service first on the Amtrak Cascades route in 2026, along with maintenance for trains on the long distance routes that operate out of this yard," according to the Amtrak press release. “When the project is completed in 2027, the modernised rail yard will feature a new two-bay Maintenance and Inspection facility and a new Service and Cleaning bay that provide the foundations for a world-class maintenance yard."