RapidRide I Line construction update (May 2026)

What’s happening

King County Executive Zahilay Announces Free Rides on Waterfront Shuttle Starting May 21 Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™ in Seattle

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson are kicking off Seattle’s soccer summer early with the launch of free rides on new waterfront shuttle service beginning May 21 through Labor Day.

Operated by King County Metro and sponsored by the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26), the new shuttle will provide frequent, car-free connections between Seattle Center, Waterfront Park, Pioneer Square, Seattle Stadium, and the Chinatown-International District.

During Seattle’s six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, Metro will also offer subsidized free rides on separate Match Day shuttles with fares sponsored by SeattleFWC26 and its partners to help move fans and visitors throughout downtown.

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- east side
- Sidewalk removal
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Sidewalk paving

SE Carr Rd & Wells Ave S & Mills Ave S

What crews are doing- north side
- Forming shelter footings
- Sidewalk replacement

SE Carr Rd & 105th Pl SE

What crews are doing- north side
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
What crews are doing- south side
- Traffic control set up
- Saw cutting
- Sidewalk, curb replacement paving
- Electrical underground work
- Forming shelter footing

108th Ave SE & SE 180th St

What crews are doing- south side
- Saw cutting and sidewalk removal
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Electrical underground work
- Paving new sidewalk

What crews are doing- north side
- Paving sidewalk and curb

KENT

Installation of new Bus Station and Tech Pylon foundation at Central Ave S and 259th St

108th Ave SE & SE 200th St

· What crews are doing- east side

o Forming and pouring shelter footings
o Electrical underground work

108th Ave SE & SE 216th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Saw cutting

108th Ave SE & SE 220th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Sidewalk, curb, and gutter paving
- Roadway paving·
What crews are doing- west side
- Saw cutting, sidewalk, curb, and gutter removal
- Sidewalk, curb, and gutter paving
- Roadway paving

Benson Rd SE & SE 224th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Saw cutting, curb, gutter, and sidewalk removal
- Underground electrical work
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Sidewalk and curb paving

104th Ave SE & SE 248th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Storm drainage installation
- Electrical underground work
- Grading and forming shelter footings
- Curb and sidewalk paving, roadway paving

· What crews are doing- west side

- Saw cutting and removal of curb, gutter, sidewalk, roadway pavement
- Electrical underground work
- Grading and forming shelter footings
- Curb and sidewalk paving, roadway paving

104th Ave SE & SE 235th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Removing curb, gutter, and sidewalk
- Removing retaining wall
- Installing storm drainage
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Underground electrical work
- Sidewalk and curb paving

Canyon Dr SE & 94th Ave SE

What crews are doing
- Curb, gutter, and sidewalk removal
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Shelter drainage installation
- Sidewalk paving

Central Ave S & S 259th St

What crews are doing- east side
- Asphalt roadway demolition
- Storm drainage installation
- Underground electrical work
- Roadway demolition and grading
- Pouring sidewalk, curb, gutter, and parking lot curb
- Roadway paving
What crews are doing- west side
- Saw cutting
- Sidewalk, curb, and gutter demolition
- Pouring sidewalk, curb, gutter, and shelter footings
- Roadway paving

AUBURN

Auburn Way N & 22nd St NE

What crews are doing – east side
- Sidewalk removal
- Forming and pouring shelter footings
- Shelter drainage installation
- Light pole installation

Auburn Way N & 2nd St NE

What crews are doing – west side
- Installing light pole bases

Auburn Transit Center

What crews are doing
- Saw cutting and demolition

2nd St SW and A St SW

What crews are doing- east side
- Electrical underground work

Community Highlights

Renton

11^th Annual Renton Career Fair

May 21 | 3PM-6PM | Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA, 98056

The City of Renton, in partnership with Renton Technical College, the Renton Chamber of Commerce, and the Renton School District, is proud to host the 11th Annual Renton Career Fair.

This two-day career fair will bring together students, alumni, and community members to meet 60+ employers from a variety of industries, including business, childcare, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Learn more.

Kent

Kent International Festival
May 30 | 10AM | Accesso ShoWare Center (625 West James St)Celebrate Kent’s rich culture and its status as the nation’s 8th most diverse city. This event is one of Kent’s signature events and features music, on-stage performances, local ethnic food trucks, and a host of cultural information and merchant booths. Admission is free. Learn more.

Auburn

Memorial Day Service
May 25 | 10AM-11amM | Memorial Flag Plaza at Mountain View Cemetery – 2020 Mountain View Drive, Auburn, WA

The public is cordially invited to attend a special Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM. The Cemetery is also offering special office hours during the Memorial Day weekend to assist families. Learn more.