Downtown Renton Construction: Temporarily relocating the clocktower and continuing utility work in downtown Renton

Hi everyone,

Are you driving the right way downtown? We know many of you are excited for the permanent conversion to two-way traffic. As a friendly reminder, Williams Ave S and Wells Ave S are still operating as one-way streets now that we’ve re-opened the intersections. We’ve added some additional signage downtown to remind everyone, but please drive with care.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION IN DOWNTOWN RENTON

1. Installing utilities under sidewalks at Williams Ave S and Wells Ave S on S 3rd St

The Wells-Williams Conversion Project is continuing sidewalk work on the northside of S 3rd St at Williams Ave S and Wells Ave S. We plan to remove the sidewalks on the northside of S 3rd St at Wells Ave S as early as the week of May 10.

We are coordinating with businesses that are directly impacted and are maintaining business access as best as possible. People walking will be detoured into adjacent curbside parking while we work on sidewalks. To avoid several weeks of sand blasting, which is loud, dusty, and disruptive to businesses downtown, we adjusted the type of concrete we’re using which takes 3 days to cure. Pouring of new concrete is also weather dependent.

2.     Utility work on S 2nd St between Main Ave S and Burnett Ave S

The Wells-Williams Conversion Project is continuing utility work on S 2nd St. Through traffic on S 2nd St will continue to be reduced to a single-lane to give crews the space they need to work on underground utilities. As early as May 12, you will not be able to turn left onto Williams Ave S when traveling west on S 2nd St for approximately 1-week while the City’s Water Department makes underground water connections. To access Williams Ave S when traveling west on S 2nd St, turn right on Burnett Ave S, turn right on S Tobin St, then turn right on Williams Ave S.

3.     Stormwater Utility Work on Shattuck Ave S at S 4th Pl 

The Downtown Utility Improvement Project (DUIP) is continuing utility work on Shattuck Ave S beginning at the intersection of S 4th Pl and Shattuck Ave S. As work progresses, crews will move north along Shattuck to S 2nd St. Through traffic on Shattuck Ave S will continue to be reduced to one lane both directions between S 4th Pl and S 2nd St. Please follow posted signs and directions from flaggers for safe access.

4.     Mill Ave S between Bronson Way S and Houser Way S 

DUIP is continuing utility work on Mill Ave S between Bronson Way S and Houser Way S. Mills Ave S is reduced to one lane both directions between S 3rd St and Bronson Way S. Please follow posted signs and directions from flagger for safe access.  

5.      Temporary Clock Tower Relocation 

This week, the concrete pad that will act as the base for the clock tower was poured and is now in the 7-day curing stage. The clock tower will be moved on May 12 (barring any unforeseen circumstances) with the use of a crane located in the parking at the southwest corner of S 3rd St and Burnett Ave S. Dewatering on S 3rd St that began this week will extend into next week.

Businesses will still be open during the moving of the clock tower. The Contractor will provide no parking signs for the parking lot and will provide signage to direct patrons the businesses are still open while the crane is in place and will have spotters to ensure that patrons can navigate safely through the work area.

The clock tower will remain in this temporary location for approximately 2-3 months as the construction work on S 3rd St progresses.

DUIP CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ON THE HORIZON

• Utility work on S 2nd St between Burnett Ave S and Logan Ave S is expected to begin as early as May 22.

	Questions about construction? Visit www.rentonwa.gov/ww or www.rentonwa.gov/duip for the latest updates. Call 425-363-1007 Email wellswilliams@rentonwa.gov or duip@rentonwa.gov.  Join us for virtual office hours every other Friday from 1-1:30 p.m.
	For COVID-19 Resources for Businesses visit whyrenton.com, call the small business hotline 206-503-1742 or email thrive@rentonwa.gov.