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Rainier Avenue South is a critical regional transit corridor. It manages high transit use and pedestrian and cyclist traffic volumes daily. The project improves overall functionality to support traffic demands, enhance walkability, and provide transit access without impacting traffic flow. A project at this scale requires a phased approach over several years, with the primary challenge being securing funding.
When grant funding was awarded to the projects, the city could take action on Phase 4 of Rainier, which focuses on safety, improving traffic flow, and access.
Safety for walkers and bicyclists with wider sidewalks and new bike lanes. Safety for drivers trying to get in and out of businesses. Access for transit, walkers, and bicyclists to make stops or access businesses without resulting in traffic delays or collisions.
After Phase 4, expect to see:
Sidewalk widening with streetscaping
Pedestrian-scale lighting
Extension of the Lake Washington Loop Trail
Pedestrian-activated traffic signals
Upgrading existing traffic signals
Transit improvements, including an extended Business Access and Transit lane (BAT lane)
Planted buffer strips and landscaped medians
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
Additional traffic updates
For all traffic impacts for the week, visit rentonwa.gov/traffic. As part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening project, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has several closures this summer that may impact overall traffic flow, visit WSDOT’s webpage for upcoming closures on I-405.
Rainier Avenue South is a critical regional transit corridor. It manages high transit use and pedestrian and cyclist traffic volumes daily. The project improves overall functionality to support traffic demands, enhance walkability, and provide transit access without impacting traffic flow. A project at this scale requires a phased approach over several years, with the primary challenge being securing funding.
When grant funding was awarded to the projects, the city could take action on Phase 4 of Rainier, which focuses on safety, improving traffic flow, and access.
Safety for walkers and bicyclists with wider sidewalks and new bike lanes. Safety for drivers trying to get in and out of businesses. Access for transit, walkers, and bicyclists to make stops or access businesses without resulting in traffic delays or collisions.
After Phase 4, expect to see:
Sidewalk widening with streetscaping
Pedestrian-scale lighting
Extension of the Lake Washington Loop Trail
Pedestrian-activated traffic signals
Upgrading existing traffic signals
Transit improvements, including an extended Business Access and Transit lane (BAT lane)
Planted buffer strips and landscaped medians
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
Additional traffic updates
For all traffic impacts for the week, visit rentonwa.gov/traffic. As part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening project, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has several closures this summer that may impact overall traffic flow, visit WSDOT’s webpage for upcoming closures on I-405.
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Road impacts
South Tobin St intermittent closures for grinding and paving beginning Monday, August 11
Airport Waylane reduction beginning Monday, August 11
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
Upcoming night work
Night work to begin as soon as Monday, August 11, and is expected through the end of September, beginning at the intersection of Airport Way. See FAQs on project page for what to expect during night work.
Project look-ahead schedule
August 11-September
Night work begins
Lane restrictions at Airport Way (left rune lane will go from three to two lanes open)
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Paving work continues
SW Victoria St. intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving expected through Friday, August 1
Hayes Pl. intermittent closures for demolition and paving expected through Friday, August 1
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
For all traffic impacts for the week, visit rentonwa.gov/traffic. As part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening project, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has several closures this summer that may impact overall traffic flow, visit WSDOT’s webpage for upcoming closures on I-405.
We will make every effort to maintain driveway access. If any closures are necessary for upgrades, property owners will be notified in advance. We appreciate your patience as our team continues to make progress on this project.
Night work to begin as soon as Monday, August 11, and is expected through the end of September, beginning at the intersection of Airport Way. See FAQs on project page for what to expect during night work.
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Paving work continues, expect intermittent closures
SW Victoria St. intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving began on July 21 and will continue for the next two weeks
Hayes Pl. intermittent daytime closures for demolition and paving as soon as Monday, July 28
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
Plan your route this summer season
With the summer season upon us, please know that local events and construction may further impact traffic.
Upcoming event:
During the 2025 Renton River Days celebration, SW 3rd Place will experience intermittent closures from Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27.
For the latest events and traffic impact:
Check the City of Renton events and Visit Renton calendar to help plan your trips accordingly.
For Renton traffic impacts for the week, visit rentonwa.gov/traffic.
As part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening project, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has several closures this summer that may impact overall traffic flow. Visit WSDOT's website for upcoming closures on I-405.
Temporary crosswalks and access points will be provided as needed until the full sidewalk installation is completed.
Please follow all pedestrian and traffic controls as work progresses.
Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Schedule Update(PDF, 604KB) (updated 6/4/2024)
Project status
Traffic signal was added and turned on at Airport Way (May 2025)
HAWK signals added and turned at the below locations at Victoria and NW 3rd Pl. (May 2025)
Traffic signal was added and turned on at S. 3rd St. (July 2025)
Traffic signal was added and turned on at S. 2nd St. (July 2025)
Paving along S. 2nd St. complete (July 2025)
Project look-ahead schedule
July 19-25
SW Victoria St intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving
July 26-August 1
SW Victoria St intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving
Hayes Pl. intermittent daytime closures for demolition and paving as soon as Monday, July 28
Full details available here: 5-Week Look Ahead Schedule 7.21-8.25(PDF, 79KB) (updated 7/23/2025)
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Nelson Place NW and S. 2nd St. reopened
Nelson Place NW reopened on Monday, July 14 and S. 2nd St. reopened on Tuesday, July 15. Crews completed the new traffic signal at S. 2nd St. and Rainier Ave. S. and paved new roadway and sidewalks. Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
Upcoming road impacts
Wednesday July 16 through Thursday, July 17: NW 3rd Place daytime closure for paving
Beginning Monday, July 21: SW Victoria St. intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving for two weeks
Recent milestones
Traffic signal was added and turned on at S. 2nd St. (July 2025)
Paving along S. 2nd St. complete (July 2025)
Project look-ahead schedule
July 12-18
NW 3rd Place daytime closure for paving
July 19-25
SW Victoria St intermittent closures for subgrade preparation and paving
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Road closure continues on S. 2nd St.
At S. 2nd St. from Lake Ave. S. to Rainier Ave. S. will continue to be closed this month for paving.
Suggested routes to consider when commuting:
For Northbound traffic on Rainier, traffic could take Lake Ave. S.
For Southbound traffic on Rainier, traffic could take Shattuck Ave. S.
Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
Please note: Paving work is subject to weather conditions. Local access will be maintained during these temporary closures, and temporary barricades will be set up for safe passage.
For all traffic impacts for the week, visit rentonwa.gov/traffic. As part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening project, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has several closures this summer that may impact overall traffic flow, visit WSDOT’s webpage for upcoming closures on I-405.
We will make every effort to maintain driveway access. If any closures are necessary for upgrades, property owners will be notified in advance. We appreciate your patience as our team continues to make progress on this project.
Recent milestones
Traffic signal was added and turned on at S. 3rd St. (July 2025)
Project look-ahead schedule
July 5-11
Beginning as soon as July 7, closure on Rainier Ave. S. and S. 2nd St. for traffic signal install.
On July 8, the intersection of Rainier Ave. S. & S. 3rd St. will be in flash and a uniformed police officer will be directing traffic.