Rainier Ave S Bus Lane Project Update

Construction of the Rainier Ave S Bus Lane Project began on September 3! Crews will work in segments along the project area through spring 2025.

Continue visiting our project website or subscribe to our email list for bi-weekly updates on construction activities.

Over the next two weeks, you'll see the following construction activities along Rainier Ave S:

Rainier Ave S and S Grand St

• On Friday, January 17, crews will be installing temporary lighting at Rainier Ave S and S Grand St

  • Both the northbound and southbound bus stops at Rainier Ave S and S Grand St, stops #8460 and #8620, will be closed through mid-February

Rainier Ave S sidewalk repair

• Through Thursday, January 23, crews will be preparing and pouring concrete on the east side sidewalk of Rainier Ave S at the following locations:
  • Between S Plum St and 23rd Ave S
  • Between S Hill St and S Walker St
    • The northbound bus stop on Rainier Ave S (stop #8440), between S Hill St and S Walker St, will be temporarily closed from January 16 through January 24
  • At S Walden St

Work schedule: 

• Crews will not be working on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day 

What to expect during construction

Typical work hours are Monday - Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During this time you can expect:

• Temporary traffic revisions to accommodate construction vehicles and equipment
• Temporary parking restrictions near work zones
• Noisy construction activities, such as vehicle backup alarms for safety, heavy truck use, and the use of power tools.

Construction Progress

Crews excavated across Rainier Ave S at S Grand St to install underground conduits and preparing for concrete pour.

Crews poured concrete to pave back the east side of Rainier Ave S at S Grand St.

Project Background

Project map showing extension of northbound bus only lane on Rainier Ave S, sidewalk repair work, and safety improvements at Rainier Ave S/S Grand St and Rainier Ave S/S College St.

This project includes the extension of the northbound bus lane on Rainier Ave S from S Walden St to S State St, along with other safety changes requested by community members to make it easier and safer to get around on this busy street. This project will improve the reliability of the Route 7 bus and get us ready for the future RapidRide R Line.

Through collaboration with King County Metro, our goal is to make transit an accessible, convenient, and reliable transportation choice. This project includes:

• New red painted bus lane between S Walden St and S State St in the northbound direction
• Sidewalk repair in areas where the most people walk and take the bus on Rainier Ave S
• At S College St and S State St:
  • New signals to make it easier and safer for people to cross the street
  • New marked crosswalks
  • ADA-compliant curb ramps
  • New Streetlights

We've been reaching out to community members, community-based organizations, and businesses in the project area and will continue to do so in the next few weeks. We want to share construction information with neighbors and community members.

Please visit our website to learn more about the project, and sign up to receive project updates. You can email us at TransitLanes@seattle.gov or call at (206) 257-2201.

Sincerely,

Ching Chan
Public Engagement Lead
City of Seattle, Department of Transportation