Your source for news about transportation and transit projects and programs in South King County, including Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Tukwila, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and Enumclaw.
Updated Jan. 29, 2010 - Edition 229
In this issue:
- Work on I-405 in Renton kicks into high gear beginning next week
- No-fee ORCA cards available until Feb. 28
Work on I-405 in Renton kicks into high gear next week
On Thursday, Feb. 4 crews will begin a series of weeknight rolling slowdowns in both directions of I-405 to hoist bridge girders into place for the new Benson Road bridge. The girders are the backbone of the bridge and, when fastened together, will span more than 500 feet across I-405. If you’re in the area, we suggest you use alternative routes – otherwise you could experience 15-minute delays or more. The nighttime work is scheduled to wrap up by Saturday, February 13.
The rolling slowdowns will occur between SR 169 and SR 167 as part of the Renton Stage 2 widening project. For more information, visit our I-405 construction update Web site.
Of note:
To perform a rolling slowdown, the Washington State Patrol line their vehicles across the freeway keeping vehicles behind them and travelling at a slow pace. When they get the word that a girder is safely in place, they speed up and allow traffic to pass.
No-fee ORCA cards available until Feb. 28
If you are a regular user of the bus, train, or ferries, now is your chance to take advantage of the new ORCA cards. Reduce the change and multiple cards in your pockets or wallet. ORCA cards work like cash or a pass and allow you to pay different fares for multiple modes of transportation.
Get your free card now until Feb. 28. Beginning March 1, a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. Learn more about ORCA and how to obtain a card on their web site.