Rainier Avenue South Phase 4
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
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July 9 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update
Share July 9 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update on Facebook Share July 9 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update on Twitter Share July 9 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update on Linkedin Email July 9 Weekly Rainier Ave. S. Project Update linkRoad 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
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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.
- Closure on Nelson Place NW for paving.
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July 12-18
- Intermittent daytime closures on SW Victoria St.
Full details available here: 07.07.25-5-week-Look-ahead.pdf(PDF, 66KB) (updated 7/9/2025)
