Renton Avenue South Construction Project frequently-asked questionsWhat improvements will be made to Renton Avenue South?
The project will add drainage, sidewalks, and bicycle safety improvements to the east side of Renton Avenue South between 75th Ave. S. and 76th Ave. S. Updates to the bus shelter at S. 126th St. and to the existing “Welcome to Skyway Park” gateway at Renton Avenue South and 76th Ave. S. are also being considered. Why is it being done?
King County completed a study of the Renton Avenue South corridor in the West Hill area in 2002. The study identified a corridor design concept for Renton Avenue South that included improvements to automobile and pedestrian circulation in the southern business area between 75th Ave. S. and 76th Ave. S. (see a rendering of the concept, 64KB .jpg). The current work is part of the effort to fulfill this vision. When will this project be finished?
This first phase of construction, as described above , is scheduled for fall 2011 and winter 2012 (the rest of the work identified in the 2002 design concept will require more funding in the future and is not scheduled at this time). King County and the City of Renton are working on the design of the current phase, and are seeking public input during May and June. To learn more and provide input, please visit the Renton Avenue South project website. How will construction affect local businesses and residents?
Construction can be planned in stages, with work that takes place next to business entrances being completed in the early morning to minimize its effects on businesses. The bus stop at S.126th St. may be temporarily moved to the north or south, but will still be accessible throughout the project. Who is doing the work?
The King County Road Services Division is partnering with the City of Renton to design and construct these improvements. Locally owned construction contractors are encouraged to submit bids for the construction work. How much will this project cost? Where does the funding come from?
The improvements in this phase are budgeted at $1 million. King County has secured $182,495 in grant funds from its Department of Housing and Community Development, and the City of Renton has a grant of $243,750 from the state Department of Commerce as well as funding from the state’s capital budget. These funds will pay for this phase of the project. How will these improvements affect the local community?
Improvements to Renton Avenue South will support economic development and infrastructure investment in the area. Fulfilling the community’s longer-term vision will bring additional customers to area businesses and create new opportunities for employment, services, and housing for the community—with the potential to significantly enhance the employment base in the West Hill business district and stimulate the creation of several hundred high-wage jobs. Improvements to bicycle lanes will facilitate additional access to recreational opportunities and foster improved health and wellness for the community. Residents and consumers will benefit from having more ways to access businesses and social-service organizations along the corridor. Sidewalks and bicycle safety improvements, a new bus shelter, and a revamped gateway will create a welcoming environment. How can local residents, businesses, social service organizations, and property owners get involved?
King County and the City of Renton are seeking public input into design of the sidewalk improvements along Renton Avenue South. In particular, the public is invited to provide input on the following: - Parking solutions for businesses along the east side of Renton Avenue South that may lose parking spaces in the public right-of-way
- Bus shelter enhancements for the bus stop on the east side of Renton Avenue South at S.126th St.
- A revamped gateway at Renton Avenue South and 76th Avenue South that welcomes people to the neighborhood
To provide input, please submit your comments by phone at 206-684-1142 or by email to deanna.martin@kingcounty.gov. How will this project affect local businesses and adjacent property owners?
Some parking spaces in the public right-of-way will be removed as a result of adding sidewalks on the east side of Renton Avenue South. The County is working with affected businesses to identify parking solutions that mitigate any adverse impacts.
Information from the Road Services Division's website is available to people with disabilities in alternate formats upon request by calling 206-263-6482 or 711 for the TTY relay service.  = External link
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