RapidRide I Line construction update (August 2026)
Help shape moving stories
Beginning this summer, six artists are riding buses, exploring neighborhoods, and listening to stories shared by riders, operators, and neighbors as part of Moving Stories, a new public art initiative developed by 4Culture in partnership with King County Metro.
Their research will inform twelve original graphic novels inspired by the people, places, and experiences that make Metro’s RapidRide network unique. Each novel will focus on a different existing or planned RapidRide line, A-K and R.
The collection will be distributed free to the public to coincide with the launch of the I Line in 2027.
Whether you ride RapidRide every day, once in a while, or simply live, work, learn, or spend time along a RapidRide line, we’d love to hear from YOU! Share a memory, an observation, a favorite view, a missed connection, a funny story, a local landmark, or a moment that changed the way you see your community.
King County Metro announces major service expansion across King County
Summary
Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that Metro will expand bus service across King County starting Aug. 29, including nine new routes, more than 3,000 additional bus trips each week, and better connections to new South King County Link light rail stations. The changes also include the launch of Metro Flex, an on-demand transit service, in Auburn and Federal Way beginning Aug. 31.
RapidRide I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn
King County Metro has begun construction to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Once I Line is in service in 2027 it will provide connections to the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station. The I Line will also connect riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses; Sounder Train; and local bus service, making it easier for people to travel to and from regional destinations and access a network of local bus routes. Metro is building RapidRide I Line to meet a critical need for improved north-south transportation options in south King County. Visit our new website to check out our interactive map and learn about the passenger stations and other improvements this project will bring!
Construction activity, mainly along roads and sidewalks, is underway. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some nighttime and weekend work. Construction may cause temporary changes or disruptions to your usual access or travel patterns along the RapidRide I Line route. The contractor will work in designated construction zones with potential temporary local impacts over the course of the project.
During construction, you can expect:
- Temporary parking restrictions
- Periodic lane and driveway closures
- Large machinery and truck activity
- Construction staging and parking impacts near some construction sites
- Some sidewalk, intersection, and lane closures
- Detours for people walking, biking, and rolling
- Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations for Route 160 and other area transit and bus routes.
- Flaggers to direct traffic around work areas
Renton
Talbot Rd S & S 32nd St
- Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S from August 11th to September 4th
- Prepare for installation of shelter footing, curb, and sidewalk
- Prepare roadway base for paving
- Roadway paving
Talbot Rd S & S 23rd St
- Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S from August 11th to the 21st
- Install curb and sidewalk
- Prepare for installation of landscaping
- Remove roadway pavement
- Prepare roadway base for paving
- Roadway paving
SE Carr Rd & 105th Pl SE
- Work occurring on the north and south sides of SE Carr Rd and east side of 105th Pl SE from August 12th to September 4th
- Curb and ADA ramp installation (south)
- Sidewalk installation (south)
- Sawcut and remove roadway pavement (east)
- Repave roadway (east)
- Underground electrical work (north)
- Install shelter footing (north)
- Sidewalk installation (north)
108th Ave SE & SE 180th St
- Work occurring on the north side of SE 180th St from August 12th to the 22nd
- Prepare roadway base for paving
- Roadway paving
108th Ave NE & 192nd St
- Work occurring on the east side of 108th Ave SE on August 21st
Talbot Rd S & Valley Medical Center
- Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S from August 11th to September 4th
- Install retaining wall
- Install drainage
- Install underground electrical utilities and foundations
S Grady Way & Talbot Rd S
- Work occurring on the north side of S Grady Way from August 10 to September 4th
- Install new watermain
- Tree removal (southeast corner of Talbot & Grady)
Kent
Central Ave S & S 259th St
- Work occurring on the west side of Central Ave S from August 10th to the 24th
- Install sidewalk and parking lot curb
- Install bollards
104th Ave SE & SE 228th St
- Work occurring on the west side of 104th Ave SE from August 12th to the 28th
- Prepare for shelter footing
- Underground electrical work including installation of light pole foundations
- Install curb, gutter and shelter footing
- Install sidewalk
- Remove section of existing roadway pavement
- Roadway paving
Canyon Dr SE & 94th Ave SE
- Work occurring on the north and south sides of Canyon Dr SE and east and west sides of 94th Ave SE from August 17th to September 5th
- Sawcut and remove section of curb, gutter, sidewalk, and roadway
- Install storm drainage
- Prepare for shelter footing and retaining walls
- Pave curb, sidewalk, and bike lane
- Prepare roadway base for paving
- Roadway paving
108th Ave SE & SE 216th St
- Work occurring on the east side of 108th Ave SE from August 4th to September 4th
- Install shelter footings
- Install shelter footing
- Underground electrical work
- Install curb and gutter
- Install sidewalk
Benson Rd SE & SE 224th St
- Work occurring on the west side of Benson Rd SE from August 21 to September 4th
- Sawcut and remove curb, gutter, sidewalk
- Install underground electrical and light pole foundations
104th Ave SE & SE 235th St
- Work occurring on the east and west sides of 104th Ave SE from August 10th to September 4th
- Prepare for paving (east)
- Pave roadway base (east)
- Remove curb and sidewalk (west)
- Install storm drainage (west)
- Underground electrical work (west)
- Install curb and gutter (west)
Auburn
Auburn Way N & 2nd St NE
Work occurring on the east of Auburn Way N from August 12th to the 17th
Auburn Way N & 42nd St NE
- Work occurring on the east side of Auburn Way N from August 10 to the 31st
- Install parking lot curb
- Install bollards
Renton
Wine & Art Block Party at Legacy Square
August 22 | 12PM to 8:30 PM | Legacy Square
Sip, savor, and celebrate creativity in the heart of downtown Renton. Join us at Legacy Square for the Wine & Art Block Party, a vibrant all-ages event that brings together local artists, makers, and wineries for an afternoon of community and discovery.
With local wine selections, hands-on activities, and plenty of space to wander and enjoy, it’s the perfect way to experience the creative spirit of Renton.
Kent
Cruisin’ Kent Car Show
August 23 | 11AM| 438 Ramsay Way, Kent, WA, 98032, United States
Experience a classic summer tradition at Cruisin’ Kent Station, returning for its 8th annual showcase of vintage and custom automobiles. The streets of Kent Station will be lined with impressive hot rods, classic trucks and muscle cars. This family-friendly event is free to attend and offers plenty of entertainment beyond the cars, including live music and the chance to vote for your favorite vehicle. Plus, you can enjoy the many shops and restaurants at Kent Station.
Auburn
Party on the Plaza
August 28 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | City Hall Plaza- 25 W Main ST
Looking for a fantastic way to spend a summer evening?!
A mini golf course, food trucks and a beer & wine garden will be at City Hall Plaza from 5:30 – 8:30 PM on August 28.
All Ages Welcome: The overall event is completely free and family-friendly, though the beer and wine garden area is strictly for guests aged 21 and older.
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