NE 24th & 16th St AC Water Main and Transportation Improvements

Design

Council awarded the professional services contract to Kimley Horn in the amount of $477,600 for design, bidding and construction services for the NE 24^th and 16^th Street AC Water Main and Transportation Improvements project at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 23^rd, 2026.

Construction

Construction contract award is anticipated to take place in the 1^st Quarter of 2027.

Installation of approximately 3,500 linear feet of 12-inch class 52 restrained joint cement-lined ductile water pipes with restrained joint fittings and polyethylene encasement, gate valves, fire hydrant assemblies, 44 1-inch copper water service lines and reconnections to existing private service lines, and 18 connections of new water mains to existing water mains.

The project is currently at 30% design. The city anticipates final design to be completed in January 2026.

• Store basic water: If you will be home, fill a couple of buckets, the bathtub, and/or some cooking pots for basic water needs during the service interruption. Reserve some water in a clean container for cooking, drinking, and hand washing.
• Protect your equipment: If you have a recirculating pump or a pressure booster pump, turn it off to avoid possible damage to the pump. If you are unsure if you have one of these pumps, contact a licensed plumber to investigate your plumbing system.

• Do not use or turn on any water faucets/fixtures: This will prevent air from entering your plumbing.
• Avoid water appliances: Do not operate any appliances or fixtures that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or toilets.
• Keep hot water off: Do not turn on hot water. Draining hot water from the tank could expose heating elements and damage electric, gas, or on-demand hot water heaters.

• Weekdays (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.): Call the Maintenance Services Division at 425-430-7400.
• After Hours & Weekends: Call the Renton Police Department non-emergency line at 425-430-7500 (Option #8). A crew will be dispatched to restore your service.

• Clear the lines: Open cold water faucets slowly and allow the water to run for a few minutes to push the air out. A bathtub or upstairs faucet works best.
• Need assistance? If you are still experiencing air in your plumbing after 15 minutes, call 425-430-7400 (or 425-430-7500 after hours) to have a crew dispatched.

• Clear the lines: Let the cold water run for a minute or two and it should clear up.
• Persistent discoloration: If your water continues to be discolored after 15 minutes, contact the city at 425-430-7400 (or 425-430-7500 after hours) for assistance.

• Clean the screen: Remove the screen to clear out the rust particles in order to restore full flow.
• Further guidance: If cleaning the aerator does not restore flow, contact Renton Public Works Maintenance during normal business hours at 425-430-7400.

The customer is responsible for all piping past the water meter. Sometimes, a customer's private piping is too brittle or corroded to make a solid connection after utility crews complete work on the water meter. In those instances, it may be impossible for city crews to safely reconnect the customer’s private service line to the meter setter without further repairs by the homeowner.

What should the neighborhood expect during construction?

New mains are typically installed using an open-cut construction method by excavating a trench in a section of roadway. Work will be done on weekdays, during the day. Each day, open trenches will be backfilled and covered with temporary asphalt to provide a drivable surface.

There may be temporary lane closures and/or parking restrictions. Where lane closures are required, the contractor will have signs and flaggers to guide traffic safely through the work zone. The contractor will ensure that residents have access into and out of their driveways.

What part of the water pipe will be replaced?

New water mains will be installed within the paved portion of the roadways and approximately 44 water service lines will be replaced from the new water mains to the water meters.

Will there be contractors working in my yard and/or property?

Because most water meters in this project are currently located in front yards, the contractor will need to do work in that area to replace the water meter and service line. Even though the meters are in yards/lawns, most of them are within the city right-of-way (ROW), and not on private property. To find out where your property line is located, contact the project manager for a copy of the construction plans. 

What part of the storm system will be improved?

New storm drain pipe, catch basins, and bio-swales will be installed within NE 24^th Street, along Kennydale Lions Park. 

Why is the sewer main not being replaced as part of this project?

In 1999, the City completed a sewer main replacement project along NE 24th St. City records indicate the main line consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. Maintenance and repair of the side sewer—the lateral line extending from the City-owned main in the street to the private structure—is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Property owners are encouraged to routinely inspect and maintain their private side sewers, particularly for homes exceeding 50 years of age.

Will my water meter box be moved?

It is anticipated that the water meters will be installed as close to the existing meter box as possible, within the city ROW. New meter box covers in pedestrian paths of travel will be non-slip in compliance with ADA and city requirements.

Why All Water Heater Tanks Need an Expansion Tank

What if my water heater tank does not have an expansion tank?

If your water heater tank does NOT have an expansion tank, you will need to have one installed by a Licensed Plumber. The new water meter setter that will be installed by the contractor comes with a check valve. Currently, the old water meter setters do NOT have a check valve, which means that a water heater with no expansion tank currently expands back into our city water system, in the street. If you do not install an expansion tank before the contractor installs the new meter setter with the check valve, you may experience excessive pressure buildup in your water heater tank.

How does an expansion tank work?

When the water in the heating system (e.g., water heater, boiler) heats up, it expands. Instead of building up excessive pressure within the pipes, this excess water volume flows into the expansion tank. As water enters the tank, it pushes against the rubber diaphragm, which in turn compresses the air on the other side. Because air is compressible, it absorbs the increased volume and pressure, preventing the overall system pressure from rising to dangerous levels. 

Why do the new water meter setters have a check valve?

 All new water meter setters, in the City of Renton service area, have a check valve to protect the city’s water supply from backflow. Backflow is the reverse flow of water, back towards the city’s water system. This can occur due to pressure changes, like a drop of pressure at the city’s water main or if the pressure in your home rises to a level higher than the city’s water main pressure. The check valve ensures that water cannot flow back into the city’s water system, protecting the water quality we deliver to our residents.