RapidRide I Line newsletter (January 2026)

Meet the RapidRide I Line Community Engagement team

Our team is dedicated to keeping the community informed. With construction activity beginning next month, team members will be going door-to-door along the RapidRide I Line corridor.

These initial visits are an opportunity to:

Introduce the project and its scope.
Share how to stay connected with updates.
Provide contact information for any inquiries.
Gather feedback and comments directly from residents and businesses.

This is just the start of our community outreach during the construction phase. As work progresses, our team will be a frequent presence in your neighborhood, providing timely information on work happening near homes, businesses, and bus stops.

RapidRide I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn

King County Metro is preparing to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Once I Line is in service, likely toward the end of 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

Construction activity, mainly along roads and sidewalks, is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 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

Community highlights

Renton

“She Loves Me” at Renton Civic Theatre

Feb. 13 | 7:30 PM | Renton Civic Theatre (507 S 3^rd St)

A charming romantic comedy set in a 1930s European parfumerie, where two feuding coworkers find unexpected connection through anonymous letters. Heartfelt and witty, this musical sparkles with timeless melodies and endearing characters. Get tickets at https://rentoncivictheatre.org

The Table: A free community meal

Every Saturday| 8AM – 10AM | Luther’s Table (419 S. 2^nd St.)

Luther’s Table has partnered with Sustainable Renton and REACH Renton in the launch of “The Table,” a free community meal open to all. This meal is more than just food—it’s about creating a welcoming space where all are nourished in mind, body, and spirit. Learn more.

Kent

Family & Preschool Story Time

Feb. 6| 11:15 AM – Noon | Kent Library (212 2nd Avenue N)

Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes. Help develop your child’s early literacy skills and prepare them for school. A brief play time or activity follows. Learn more

Kent Spotlight Series: Gadan

Feb. 12 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center (10020 SE 256th St)

Gadan blends the drive of Irish Traditional Music and Celtgrass with the soul of folk and Appalachian music… all spiced with unmistakable Italian seasoning! Learn more.

TeamUP to CleanUp

Feb. 28| 9 AM — Noon | Kherson Park (307 W. Gowe St)

A clean downtown is a healthy downtown! Join Kent to focus clean-up efforts along Meeker Street and the surrounding downtown area. Tools and disposable gloves will be provided. Learn more.

Auburn

Auburn Love Run

The Almost 5K Love Run & Walk is an in-person fun run. The Love Run & Walk is perfect for all ages and abilities (kids in strollers permitted)! Join Auburn for this fun event as we kick off American Heart Month. Register here.