NOW COMPLETE: South 7th Street Improvements Project!
Published on January 29, 2026
The City of Renton completed the South 7th Street Corridor Improvements Project by the end of 2025. The project’s main objective was to enhance the corridor and improve safety along this key east–west route into downtown. The project installed a multi-use path, made intersection improvements, and upgraded crosswalks.
A key route for commuters and cyclists: The history of South 7th Street
South 7th has long served as an important connection to downtown, with residents and cyclists using the path for commuting, recreation, and day-to-day errands. The City of Renton’s Trails and Bicycle Master Plan (2019) identified the street as a priority route for future bicycle improvements.
Construction on this project began in January 2025 and was open for public use beginning in September 2025.
Prioritizing safety, connectivity, and access in Renton
One part of this project is the installation of a multi-use path located on South 7th Street between Shattuck Avenue South and Burnett Avenue South. This path provides a safer and more clearly defined route for cyclists and pedestrians while also improving overall corridor operations.
To reduce congestion and improve safety at the South 7th Street and Smithers Avenue South intersection, the intersection for Smithers Avenue South has been converted to be south exit-only.
Additional improvements between Shattuck and Burnett included:
- Curb ramps along the multi-use path to meet ADA standards.
- New sidewalks
- Paving
- Landscaping and irrigation
Intersection improvements were also completed from Shattuck Avenue South to Oakesdale Avenue South to improve safety and visibility on the east end of South 7th Street. These improvements include: A mid-block crosswalk upgraded with
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) providing higher-visibility
- New bicycle and pedestrian detection cameras were added at signalized intersections to enhance the non-motorized operations along this corridor
Altogether, the project improves access to transit, serving the existing WSDOT Park & Ride at South 7th Street and Shattuck Avenue South, the future Sound Transit bus rapid transit (BRT) station, and residents along the corridor.
Connectivity in Renton
The recently completed South 7th project aligns with goals identified in the City of Renton’s Trails and Bicycle Master Plan and helps advance a broader vision for regional trail connectivity in part of Renton.
Preparing for the future
The project has been completed ahead of future developments by Sound Transit, WSDOT, and King County Metro, which will bring increased transportation options to the corner of Rainier Avenue South and South Grady Way. Some examples include King County Metro’s RapidRide I Line and Sound Transit’s Stride S1 Line.
In addition, the Rainier/Grady junction TOD Subarea Plan outlines strategies to facilitate mixed-use development and increase connectivity in the adjacent areas.
Learn more about the City of Renton’s planning division and other projects at rentonwa.gov/planning.