RapidRide I Line newsletter (August 2025)

Find us at an event near you!

What’s happening

Our team is in full swing engaging with communities in Renton, Kent and Auburn about the RapidRide I Line and how to prepare for construction this fall. Visit our website to learn how you can connect with our team during our virtual office hours, community tabling events, and open houses.

Coming events:

• Kent Farmers Market August 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Unity in Community August 17 from 1-6 p.m.
• Renton Farmers Market August 19 from 3-7 p.m.
• Kent Library Open House August 20 from 2-4 p.m.

Renton Library Open House August 26 from 3:30-5:30pm

Take our online survey!

We extended our construction survey until August 31st! Your feedback will help Metro understand how residents, visitors, and business owners get around the project route.

I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn

King County Metro is preparing to build 17-miles of new RapidRide service in Kent, Renton, and Auburn. Construction will begin in Fall 2025. Once the RapidRide 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!

 

What to expect during construction

Metro plans to begin construction in fall 2025. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 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

Metro resources

ORCA business programs

Metro provides different ORCA programs that can support large or small businesses. ORCA transit benefits offer flexibility, freedom and value. Visit our website to find the right program for your business.

Youth ORCA card

All youth 18 and younger can ride transit for free! Youth are encouraged to use a Youth ORCA card or alternatively show their Student ID when they ride transit. Visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com to learn how youth can obtain a Youth ORCA card and ride transit for free.

Community highlights

Renton

Music in the Park with Marco Cortes

August 14 | 11:30am | Kiwanis Park (815 Union Ave)

Come enjoy a live musical performance by the talented Marco Cortes. This kid-friendly show is sure to bring a smile to many faces as Marco sings a beautiful mix of interactive songs in English and Spanish. Learn more.

Back to school celebration

August 16 | Noon-3PM | Family First Community Center (16200 116th Ave SE)

Celebrate back to school with the Family First Community Center! Open to all, you can get some free school supplies while enjoying games and resources!

Kent

Cajun & Creole Fest

August 16 | 2PM-7PM | Burlington Green Park (101-299 Railroad Ave N)

August 16 | 2PM-7PM | Burlington Green Park (101-299 Railroad Ave N)

Spice up your taste buds and experience the soul of Louisiana in the Pacific Northwest. Dance, dine, and have a ragin’ Cajun good time where Southern culture and hospitality turn historic downtown Kent into our own “Little Louisiana”! Get free tickets!

Resilient Roots: Johnny Moses Storytelling

August 22 | 6:30PM-7:30PM | Kent Historical Museum (855 E Smith St)

“Resilient Roots” is a year-long, monthly series at the Kent Historical Museum, celebrating the artistic and cultural traditions of Indigenous people. Through storytelling, musical performances, artisan demonstrations, and hands-on workshops, this program provides a platform for Indigenous voices while fostering intergenerational learning and cultural exchange. Learn more.

Auburn

Kids Summerstage

August 13 | Noon-1PM | Les Grove Park

This entertainment series will be held at the park shelter beside the Discovery Playground. Bring swimsuits and towels and enjoy the Rotary Spraypark before or after the performances. Learn more.

 

Party on the Plaza

August 22 | 5:30PM-8:30PM | City Hall Plaza (25 W Main St)

Spend your summer Friday nights in downtown Auburn at Party on the Plaza! This FREE event series features live music, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a rotating lineup of fun, themed evenings. Enjoy a Cheeseburger in Paradise on August 22 with a car show! Learn more.