Rainier Avenue Open House, May 15

In a couple years, Rainier Avenue South from South Grady Way to South 2nd Street will look a lot differently: an inprovement project — now under way — will create a safer and more attractive thoroughfare for both cars and pedestrians.

The plan calls for wider sidewalks, landscaped planter strips, lanscaped medians, better street lighting and better transit mobility. Underground utilities, including gas, electricity and telecommunications, will also be relocated.

, and work officially began on April 30. More noticebale construction will begin later this month. 

Learn more about what to expect while travelling along Rainier during construction at an open house, May 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Construction Field Office, 263 Rainier Avenue South.

Patch will also post updated on the current construction schedule, so check back often!

Rainier Avenue South Improvements Project Open House:

WHAT: Meet the city’s construction management team along with representatives from Johansen Excavating Inc. to ask questions and learn more about the project at the on-site office. Rainier Avenue South serves as the major north-south thoroughfare through downtown Renton, connecting South King County and South Seattle to Renton. This last piece of the $42 million Rainier Avenue South Improvement Project will result in improved transit mobility, upgraded traffic safety and enhanced pedestrian safety.

WHO: City of Renton management team and representatives from Johansen Excavating Inc.

WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m., May 15, 2012

WHERE: 263 Rainier Avenue S., Suite 201, Renton, WA 98057

CONTACT: Call the the 24-hour hotline 425-988-4104 with questions; email info@rainierproject.com, or visit www.rainierproject.com for more information.

*Editor's Note: Open House information provided by the City of Renton.