Downtown Renton Construction: Storm Utility work on S 3rd St

Hi everyone,

As the Wells-Williams Conversion Project continues longer than we originally expected, we empathize with the impact on the community and are also frustrated by the delays.

The project has been delayed by COVID-19, the limited availability of specialized subcontractors, pausing to work at Houser Way S last year while BNSF was available, and discovering discontinued infrastructure underground. At this point, we’re trying to substantially complete the Wells-Williams Conversion Project by the end of August when we expect to have:

• Rebuilt the intersections on S 2nd St

• Replaced the sidewalks at the four intersections downtown

• Repaved and converted traffic on Wells Ave S and Williams Ave S to two-way traffic

After that, you may continue to see minor work as we install street furniture and other minor items.

As we’ve all experienced over the last year though, construction can have unexpected twists, so we’ll continue to keep you posted as the schedule evolves.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION IN DOWNTOWN RENTON

1. Sidewalk work on S 3rd St at Williams Ave S and Wells Ave S

We know downtown gets a lot of visitors over Memorial Day Weekend, so in preparation we updated the sidewalk detours to make them more intuitive. Over the weekend, we also came downtown to check the pedestrian access each day.

This week, our concrete subcontractor started building the forms that will hold the concrete in place while it dries. The subcontractor plans to start pouring the sidewalk on S 3rd St as soon as 6 AM on Monday. The subcontractor will have a better idea of how long it will take to finish pouring the sidewalks on S 3rd St once they pour the first corner. We know the unpredictability is frustrating and challenging. We’ll keep you up to date as we learn more.

In the meantime, if you need help with deliveries or customer access please don’t hesitate to call (425)363-1007.

In preparation for the three-day weekend, we updated the sidewalk detours to make them more intuitive by replacing the cones with “hurdles” on both sides of the walkway.	The concrete subcontractor started building the forms that will hold the concrete for the new sidewalks in place while it  dries. This includes inlaying ADA warning strips that allow people with different abilities to see, hear, and/or feel the transition to the crosswalk.	Your feedback helps! We packed down the asphalt holding the pedestrian ramps in place again so it’s less likely to be tracked into businesses downtown.

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

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.

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

The Downtown Utility Improvement Project (DUIP) completed utility work and continues with concrete and restoration work.

4. Stormwater Utility Work on Shattuck Ave S

DUIP is wrapping up utility work on Shattuck Ave S between S 4th Pl and S 3rd St. Utility work south of S 3rd St is complete. Work on the North side of S 3rd St will follow. Through traffic on Shattuck Ave S will continue to be reduced to one lane both directions. Please follow posted signs and directions from flaggers for safe access.

5. Dewatering on S 3rd St

DUIP continues dewatering work on S 3rd St between Burnett Ave S and Logan Ave S in preparation for sewer replacement. In a few weeks, work will be moving west towards Rainier Ave S. During construction work hours, S 3rd St will be closed between Burnett Ave S and Logan Ave S and reduced to one lane between Logan Ave S and Rainier Ave S. A detour to S 4th St via Shattuck Ave S and Burnett Ave S is in place to route traffic around this construction. Signage for local and business access will be in place along the detour route. During non-work hours, S 3rd St will maintain a minimum of one lane of traffic throughout the project area (Burnett Ave S to Rainier Ave S).

Noted street closures are daytime closures during construction hours. A minimum of one lane will be open on S 3rd Street after construction hours. Please follow posted signs and directions from flaggers for safe access.

6. Storm Utility work on S 3rd St

We began storm utility work on S 3rd St starting east of Rainier Ave S, moving east and stopping just west of Shattuck Ave S. Two north lanes of S 3rd St will be closed, reducing it to one lane between Shattuck Ave S and Rainier Ave S. Work is expected to continue through June. 

Thank you, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 425-363-1007 or email wellswilliams@rentonwa.gov or duip@rentonwa.gov.    

	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.