Rainier Avenue South Phase 4

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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 enhances overall functionality to support traffic demands, improve walkability, and provide transit access without compromising 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.

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.

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)
  • Concrete panels over Seattle Public Utilities transmission lines complete (September 2025)
  • Paving (October 2025)

Rainier Avenue South is a critical regional transit corridor. It manages high transit use and pedestrian and cyclist traffic volumes daily.

The project enhances overall functionality to support traffic demands, improve walkability, and provide transit access without compromising 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.

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.

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)
  • Concrete panels over Seattle Public Utilities transmission lines complete (September 2025)
  • Paving (October 2025)

  • October 31 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Traffic impacts

    No upcoming road closures are scheduled for next week, Night work will resume in November for striping.

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Full Schedule(PDF, 604KB) - Last update: 4/1/2024


    Project work update

    Nighttime construction has ceased for the time being as the final paving and overlay for roads have been completed. It will resume in November for final striping.

    Median work is in progress and will continue into the next few weeks.

    As outlined in the initial project plan for Phase 4, new traffic curbs and medians will be installed, and some access points may be modified accordingly. Similar to those already in place at Rainier Ave S. and Airport Way, these are designed to improve safety by limiting left turns, while still allowing U-turns at signalized intersections.


    Project look-ahead schedule

    • October
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • November
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds

    Full details available here: Look Ahead Schedule(PDF, 87KB) (updated 10/29/2025)




  • October 23 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Final paving is complete! There will be no further nighttime construction through the end of the month, but it will begin again in November.

    Road impacts

    Currently, no road closures are expected.

    Nighttime construction update

    Nighttime construction has ceased for the time being as the final paving and overlay for roads have been completed. It will resume in November for final striping.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • October
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • November
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds

    Full details available here: Look Ahead Schedule(PDF, 89KB) (updated 10/22/2025)


  • October 16 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Final paving is complete! There will be no further nighttime construction through the end of the month, but it will begin again in November.

    Road impacts

    • Intermittent nighttime closures continue at S. 2nd St, Tobin St, Victoria St, Hayes Pl, Nelson Pl NW, and NW 3rd Pl. Intermittent nighttime closures for final paving and asphalt overlay began on Monday, September 22.
    • Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs) will be on site as needed at intersections from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to assist with traffic flow

    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.

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Full Schedule(PDF, 604KB) - Last update: 4/1/2024

    Nighttime work update

    Nighttime construction has ceased for the time being as the final paving and overlay for roads have been completed. It will resume in November for final striping.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • September
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay along the corridor and side streets
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • October-November
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds

    Full details available here: Look Ahead Schedule(PDF, 89KB) (updated 10/15/2025)


  • October 10 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay is 90% complete! See night work in action!

    Road impacts

    • Intermittent nighttime closures continue at S. 2nd St, Tobin St, Victoria St, Hayes Pl, Nelson Pl NW, and NW 3rd Pl. Intermittent nighttime closures for final paving and asphalt overlay began on Monday, September 22.
    • Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs) will be on site as needed at intersections from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to assist with traffic flow

    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.

    Nighttime work

    Nighttime construction for the final paving and asphalt overlay began on September 22 and will continue through mid-October. See FAQs on project page for what to expect during night work.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • September
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay along the corridor and side streets
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • October-November
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds


    Full details available here: Look Ahead Schedule(PDF, 90KB) (updated 10/9/2025)


  • October 6 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • Intermittent nighttime closures continue at S. 2nd St, Tobin St, Victoria St, Hayes Pl, Nelson Pl NW, and NW 3rd Pl. Intermittent nighttime closures for final paving and asphalt overlay began on Monday, September 22.
    • Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs) will be on site as needed at intersections from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to assist with traffic flow

    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.

    Nighttime work

    Nighttime construction for the final paving and asphalt overlay began on September 22 and will continue through mid-October. See FAQs on project page for what to expect during night work.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • September
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay along the corridor and side streets
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • October
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds

    Full details available here: Look Ahead Schedule(PDF, 87KB) (updated 9/24/2025)



  • September 24 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • S. 2nd St, Tobin St, Victoria St, Hayes Pl, Nelson Pl NW, and NW 3rd Pl. Intermittent nighttime closures for final paving and asphalt overlay began on Monday, September 22.
    • Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs) will be on site as needed at intersections from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to assist with traffic flow

    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.

    Nighttime work

    Nighttime construction for the final paving and asphalt overlay began on September 22 and will continue through mid-October. The overlay adds a smooth top layer that evens out the surface, improves ride quality, and helps protect the roadway for years to come.

    Drivers should follow posted signs and closures and use extra caution when traveling through the area at night.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • September
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay along the corridor and side streets
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • October
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay
      • Installation of traffic medians
      • Striping
      • Landscaping, including installation of trees, lawns, and planting beds

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Schedule Update(PDF, 604KB) (updated 9/24/2025)

  • September 17 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • S. 2nd St, Tobin St, Victoria St, Hayes Pl, Nelson Pl NW, and NW 3rd Pl. Intermittent nighttime closures for final paving and asphalt overlay as soon as Monday, September 22.
    • Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs) will be on site at intersections from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to assist with traffic flow

    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.

    Night work

    Nighttime construction for the final paving and asphalt overlay will occur from September 22 through mid-October. The overlay adds a smooth top layer that evens out the surface, improves ride quality, and helps protect the roadway for years to come.

    Drivers should follow posted signs and closures and use extra caution when traveling through the area at night.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • September 15 - 22
      • Final paving and asphalt overlay along the corridor and side streets
      • Grading and paving of driveways
    • September 22
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay
    • Mid-October
      • Nighttime final paving and asphalt overlay

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Schedule Update(PDF, 604KB)


  • September 10 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • Hayes Pl, SW Victoria St, and S. 2nd St intermittent nighttime closures for grinding and paving through Friday, September 12

    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.

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Schedule Update(PDF, 604KB) (updated 6/4/2024)

    Night work

    Nighttime work at the Airport Way intersection will continue through mid-September, taking place Monday evenings through Friday mornings. Drivers should follow posted signs and closures and use extra caution when traveling through the area at night.

    Once this phase of work is complete, nighttime construction will pause before resuming in late September through mid-October for the final paving and asphalt overlay. The overlay adds a smooth top layer that evens out the surface, improves ride quality, and helps protect the roadway for years to come.

    Project look-ahead schedule

    • August 11
      • Night work begins
    • September
      • Grading and paving of driveways
      • Paving roadways
      • Curb, gutter, and sidewalk work is almost complete; remaining repairs are scheduled to follow
      • Final paving during night work September
    • October
      • Final striping


  • September 4 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • South Tobin St intermittent closures for grinding and paving are ongoing
    • NW 3rd Place intermittent closures for grinding and paving
    • Hayes Pl, SW Victoria St, and S. 2nd St intermittent nighttime closures for grinding and paving continue through Friday, September 5

    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.

    Full schedule available here: Rainier Ave Schedule Update(PDF, 604KB) (updated 6/4/2024)

    Upcoming night work

    Night work is underway 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
      • Night work begins
    • September
      • Grading and paving of driveways
      • Paving roadways
      • Curb, gutter, and sidewalk work is almost complete; remaining repairs are scheduled to follow
      • Final paving during night work mid-September
    • October
      • Final striping

    Full details available here: Schedule(PDF, 412KB) (updated 9/3/2025)



  • August 27 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update

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    Road impacts

    • South Tobin St intermittent closures for grinding and paving are ongoing
    • NW 3rd Place intermittent closures for grinding and paving beginning as soon as Thursday, August 28
    • Hayes Pl, SW Victoria St, and S. 2nd St intermittent nighttime closures for grinding and paving beginning as soon as next week


    Active night work

    Night work is underway 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
      • Night work begins
    • September
      • Grading and paving of driveways
      • Final paving
    • October
      • Final striping

    Full details available here: Schedule(PDF, 82KB) (updated 8/27/2025)


Page last updated: 31 Oct 2025, 03:12 PM