RapidRide I Line construction update (April 2026)

Metro’s bus stop schedules are getting a fresh new look

King County Metro is rolling out updated bus stop schedules designed to be easier to read and more helpful for riders with our coming semi-annual service change March 28.

These refreshed schedules comes after we listened to customer suggestions. They make better use of space and include useful details like fare information, the customer service number and other rider resources (when room allows).

Yellow and black graphic of changes to schedule.

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!

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 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

  • What crews are doing
    • Temporary shoring
    • Site stabilization
    • Footing and retaining wall construction

 Talbot Rd S & S 23rd St

  • What crews are doing
    • Surveying and setting up traffic control
    • Saw cutting and sidewalk removal
    • Forming shelter footings

 SE Carr Rd & Wells Ave S & Mills Ave S

  • What crews are doing
    • Site prep
    • Saw cutting and sidewalk removal
    • Grading and forming shelter footings
    • Sidewalk replacement

SE Carr Rd & 105th Pl SE

  • What crews are doing
    • Potholing and boring for electrical work
    • Sidewalk, curb, roadway asphalt pavement removal
    • Electrical underground work
    • Forming shelter footing
    • Grading for paving bus lane

108th Ave SE & SE 180th St

  • What crews are doing
    • Traffic control setup
    • Saw cutting and sidewalk removal
    • Grading and forming shelter footing
    • Pouring shelter footing and paving new sidewalk section

KENT

Central Ave S & S 259th St

  • What crews are doing
    • Sidewalk, curb, driveway, and asphalt removal
    • Stormwater installation
    • Electrical work
    • Roadway demolition and grading
    • Grading and pouring sidewalk, curb, gutter, and shelter footing

 108th Ave SE & SE 200th St

  • Work as this location is pending necessary WSDOT approvals; we expect to begin end of this month

 108th Ave SE & SE 216th St

  • Work as this location is pending necessary WSDOT approvals; we expect to begin end of this month

 108th Ave SE & SE 220th St

  • Work as this location is pending necessary WSDOT approvals; we expect to begin end of this month

 104th Ave SE & SE 248th St

  • Work as this location is pending necessary WSDOT approvals; we expect to begin end of this month

 104th Ave SE & SE 235th St

  • Work as this location is pending necessary WSDOT approvals; we expect to begin end of this month

AUBURN

Crews preparing foundations for concrete installation at Auburn Way N and 1st St

Auburn Way N & 22nd St NE

·         What crews are doing – west side

o   Forming and pouring shelter footing

o   Electrical work

o   Preparing and finishing sidewalk and other concrete paving work

o   Installing stormwater drainage

·         What crews are doing – east side

o   Traffic control setup

o   Sidewalk removal

o   Forming shelter footing

o   Electrical work

 Auburn Way N & 2nd St NE

·         What crews are doing – west side

o   Grading and forming shelter footing

o   Installing stormwater drainage

o   Electrical work

o   Grading and concrete paving work

·         What crews are doing – east side

o   Traffic control setup

o   Sidewalk, curb, asphalt removal

o   Install new storm drainage

o   Forming and pouring footings

o   Electrical work

o   Sidewalk replacement

 Auburn Transit Center

·         What crews are doing

o   Saw cutting and removal

o   Electrical trenching

o   Concrete placement

 

Community Highlights

Renton

2026 Community Garage Sale

Apr.18 | 9AM-1PM | Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy)

Discover hidden treasures and enjoy a fun morning out at Renton’s Community Garage Sale! This free, family-friendly event offers something for all ages—whether you’re browsing for bargains or simply enjoying the community atmosphere. Learn more.

 

Kent

Spring Scavenger Hunt
Apr. 1-30 | 8AM-5PM | Downtown Kent

Spring has sprung! Celebrate the longer days and warming weather with a scavenger hunt through downtown Kent–having fun and supporting local businesses, too. Little stuffed bees have scattered across historic downtown Kent, and Kent needs your help to track them down. Search for the hidden bees, complete your passport, and submit it for a chance to win awesome prizes from local businesses. Learn more.

Auburn

22nd annual Special Needs Youth Fishing Derby
Apr. 25 | 9AM-1PM | Mill Pond Park (600 Oravetz Rd)

Bring your fishing rod, some bait, your favorite chair, and a smile and be ready for great fun! Siblings and friends welcome. Special needs youth will have the first opportunity to fish at Mill Pond. A limited quantity of fishing poles will be on hand to borrow. Learn more.

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