CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN: Metro’s RapidRide I Line coming to Renton!

Published on July 17, 2026

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King County Metro has begun construction to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. In 2027, the I Line will provide connections between Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center and Auburn Station. 

 

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WHAT IS THE I LINE? 

King County Metro will upgrade Bus Route 160, which currently runs between Renton, Kent, and Auburn, to the future RapidRide I Line. 

RapidRide is part of a larger, system-wide approach to improve transit access in south King County, and I Line service is planned to begin in 2027. 

Learn more: kingcounty.gov/RapidRide 

 

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ONGOING & FUTURE IMPACTS 

Road and sidewalk construction is underway. Expect temporary travel impacts along the RapidRide I Line. Most work takes place Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m., with occasional night and weekend work.  

Get the latest updates on King County Metro’s blog at kingcountymetro.blog/category/projects/.  

July 8-August 2: Talbot Rd S. & S 32nd St. 

  • Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S. includes: 
    • Removing sidewalk, curb, and gutter 
    • Preparing retaining wall installation 

July 7-31: Talbot Rd S. & S. 23rd St. 

  • Work occurring on the west and east sides of Talbot Rd S. includes: 
    • Sidewalk (west) install 
    • Sawcut and remove sidewalk, curb, and gutter (east) 
    • Storm drain (east) install 
    • Shelter footings (east) install 
    • Curb and sidewalk (east) install 
    • Roadway pavement (east) removal 
    • Roadway base and top (east) paving 
    • Traffic control set up (west) 

July 20-22: Talbot Rd S. & Benson Dr S. 

  • Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S. includes: 
    • Initial survey and traffic control setup 
    • Sidewalk removal 
    • Prepping for shelter footings installation 

July 20-August 1: Talbot Rd S & Valley Medical Center 

  • Work occurring on the west side of Talbot Rd S. includes: 
    • Traffic control set up 
    • Sawcut and remove sidewalk & curb 
    • Forming and install of footings for retaining wall 

July 27-30: S Grady Way & Talbot Rd S 

  • Work occurring on the north side of S Grady Way includes: 
    • Removing center roadway C-curb 
    • Performing trimming and tree removal 

 

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HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT 

King County Metro Transit is looking for people who live, work, or travel in the city of Renton to join the Renton Area Mobility Project Board. 
 
The goal of the Renton Area Mobility Project is to restructure Metro services in and around downtown Renton and reorient service to the future Renton Transit Center that will be located near the South Renton Park and Ride. 
 
The new transit center is jointly funded by Sound Transit and Metro and will be a connection point for Sound Transit’s Stride BRT S1 Line, connecting Burien, Renton, and Bellevue by 2028. 
 
Learn more about the opportunity due August 15 on King County Metro’s blog. 

Contact King County Metro

Email & Phone

RapidRide Community Engagement
Email: rapidride@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-263-9768

 

RapidRide I Line Construction Hotline
Phone: 253-550-7628

 

 

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