The cities of Tukwila and Renton in Washington will use $69.8 million to build two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along the 18-mile Stride S1 BRT line in King County. Plans include building bus lanes, bridges, and other pedestrian infrastructure improvements to help disadvantaged neighborhood communities. The project has a total cost of $200.9 million.
Currently, both communities are prevented from easily accessing critical amenities due to State Route 518 and Interstate 405 impeding mobility. The Stride S1 BRT line sees approximately 10,000 riders daily. Construction on the Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) Station began in early 2024. Construction on the South Renton Transit Center (SRTC) is expected to begin in spring 2025.
The TIB Station will feature pedestrian bridges spanning SR 518, connecting the station to the existing TIB light rail station and a neighborhood. The city will also build two in-line BRT platforms and approximately 4,700 feet of east- and westbound bus-only lanes.
The SRTC will include a transit center supporting the Stride BRT, King County Metro Rapid Ride and express and local bus services. The city will install transit signal prioritization, build bus-only lanes and create parking for 108 bikes. Plans also include building sidewalks, crosswalks, benches, lighting and signage.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) provided the funds through the Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) grant program to start the Reconnecting Communities with new BRT Stations in Tukwila and South Renton. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
The NAE program is designed to improve walkability, safety and affordable transportation access in disenfranchised communities. The Tukwila and South Renton BRT Stations project is one of 132 projects that will receive a portion of the $3.3 billion USDOT awarded for Fiscal Year 2023.
Photo courtesy of Sound Transit
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