Building a Welcoming Downtown
The City is leading several construction projects to make downtown Renton a more welcoming, vibrant, and livable area. While we’re excited for downtown to get some TLC, we recognize construction can be challenging to navigate. So we’ve created a cheat sheet with the latest construction updates to make it easier to plan ahead.
ACCESS DOWNTOWN
Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S will be converted from one-way traffic to two-way traffic as early as February 17, weather permitting.
- The night before the conversion, no overnight parking will be allowed to ensure parked cars are not facing the wrong way.
- Permanent all-way stops will also go into effect along Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S at S 5th St, Houser Way S, South Riverside Dr, and North Riverside Dr.
- S 2nd St, north of the island, will be closed. Access will be maintained in the south two lanes of S 2nd St.
You can learn about other planned downtown Renton construction project by visiting www.rentonwa.gov/dcp
Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S
Construction timeframe: April 2020 – early 2022
This project improves connectivity and access in downtown to make it a more vibrant and livable area.
- Sidewalk and crossing improvements will increase pedestrian mobility and safety while enhancing the street environment
- Converting Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S to two-way traffic will also make it easier to access businesses downtown
- Upgraded lighting, street furniture, bike racks, and other amenities will also strengthen downtown’s character and welcoming feel
Downtown Utilities Improvement Project (DUIP)
Construction timeframe: Spring 2021 – Fall 2022
This project includes upgrades to water, sewer and storm water utilities to address current use and support future development needs in the downtown core.
- Upgrades are needed now because some underground pipes are past their useful life, in poor condition, lack capacity and/or require costly maintenance
- Work will occur on S Second St, S Third St, Mill Avenue S, Morris Ave S, Whitworth Ave S, Shattuck Ave S, and at the intersection of Rainier Ave S and SW Sunset Blvd
