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 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)