RapidRide I Line construction update (Sept. 2026)
Executive Zahilay joins South King County leaders to celebrate new Metro Flex service in Auburn and Federal Way
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison Thursday to cut the ribbon on two new Metro Flex pilots bringing on-demand transit to Auburn and Federal Way.Â
Launched Aug. 31, the new service expands access to convenient, on-demand transportation in South King County, connecting riders to neighborhoods, schools, transit hubs, jobs, shopping, and other destinations. The two-year pilots are part of Metro’s broader South Link Connections service improvements.Â
Metro’s Operator of the Year, Tamieko Cook, joined the leaders for the ceremony at the Auburn Transit Station.
In Auburn, Metro Flex connects riders to Auburn Station and Sounder service, while in Federal Way, riders can connect to the Federal Way Transit Center and Link light rail. Riders can book on-demand trips within designated service areas using the Metro Flex app or by phone.Â
Metro Flex allows riders to book on-demand trips within designated service areas, providing connections between neighborhoods, transit hubs, jobs and other destinations. Riders can book trips through the Metro Flex app or by phone, with rides provided in Metro-operated minivans. The Auburn and Federal Way pilots will run for two years.
RapidRide I Line is coming to Renton, Kent and Auburn
King County Metro is building 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Once I Line is in service 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 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 underway. Typical work hours are 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 |
SE Carr Rd & 105th Pl SE
- Work occurring on the north side of SE Carr Rd from September 10th to the 24th
- Sidewalk installation and ADA ramps
- Install retaining wall
- Landscaping
108th Ave NE & 192nd St
- Work occurring on the east side of 108th Ave SE from September 9th to the 10th
- Light pole installation
Talbot Rd S & Valley Medical Center
- Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S from September 11th to the 28th
- Backfill at retaining wall
- Install new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA ramps
- Install shelter footings
S Grady Way & Talbot Rd S
- Work occurring on the north side of S Grady Way from September 9th to October 2nd
- Complete installation of new watermain
KENT
Central Ave S & S 266th St
- Work occurring on the west side of Central Ave S from September 9th to the 30th
- Remove curb, gutter, sidewalk
- Install storm drainage
- Underground electrical work
- Light pole installation
- Install curb
- Prepare for shelter footing installation
104th Ave SE & SE 228th St
- Work occurring on the west side of 104th Ave SE from September 11th to the 16th
- Install sidewalk
- Remove section of existing roadway pavement
- Roadway paving
Canyon Dr SE & 94th Ave SE
- Work occurring on the north side of Canyon Dr SE from September 9th to the 14th
- Roadway paving
108th Ave SE & SE 216th St
- Work occurring on the east side of 108th Ave SE from September 9th to the 30th
- Install shelter footings
- Underground electrical work
- Install curb and gutter
- Install sidewalk
- Prepare for roadway paving
104th Ave SE & SE 248th St
- Work is occurring on the east and west sides of 104th Ave SE from September 9th to the 30th
- Pave roadway base (east)
- Remove curb and sidewalk (west)
- Prepare for installing shelter footings
- Install storm drainage (west)
- Underground electrical work (west)
- Install curb and gutter (west)
Benson Rd SE & SE 224th St
- Work occurring on the west side of Benson Rd SE from September 11th to the 23rd
- Landscaping
- Pave driveway on SE 224th St
104th Ave SE & SE 235th St
- Work occurring on the west side of 104th Ave SE from September 9th to the 30th
- Underground electrical work
- Install curb, gutter, and sidewalk
- Pour shelter footings
- Pave roadway base
AUBURN
Auburn Way N & 10th St NE
- Work occurring on the west side of Auburn Way N south of 9th St NE from September 9th to the 30th
- Prepare for and install shelter footings
- Electrical underground work
- Remove and grade roadway section
- Install new sidewalk, curb, gutter
- Landscape site
Community highlights
RENTON
Harvest Festival Extravaganza
September 19 | 12PM to 9PM | Legacy Square
Celebrate the season in the heart of downtown Renton. Join us on Saturday, September 19 at Legacy Square for the Harvest Festival, a lively autumn event inspired by the spirit of Oktoberfest and designed as a welcoming, all-ages experience for the community.
Guests can enjoy hearty fall foods, local brews in the beer garden, and family-friendly activities that bring out the magic of the season. Whether you’re stopping by with friends, neighbors, or the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Learn more.
Kent
Carpinito Bros Pumpkin Patch: Opening Day
September 25 | 9AM | 27592 W Valley Hwy N Kent, WA
The Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch and Farm Fun Yard are officially open. Welcome fall with a visit! Throughout the farm, you’ll encounter a sea of pumpkins, challenging corn mazes, farm animals, kids’ activities and plenty of photo inspiration. Learn more.
Auburn
A Second Saturdays: Music and Arts of India
October 10 | 12PM to 4PM | Postmark Center for the Arts
Join us at the Postmark for a celebration of Indian music and art! This event is completely free, with interactive and educational elements designed to be fun for the whole family. All programming is presented by local artists from Auburn and the surrounding area. Learn more.
