The new 1.5-mile southbound lane on State Route 167 between Interstate 405 and Southwest 41st Street in south Renton is open, giving drivers three general purpose lanes and one HOT lane to use during the afternoon commute.

“As we continue to open new lanes and add capacity on the corridor, we’ve seen increased speeds and reduced commute times,” said Kim Henry, Eastside Corridor director. “With this new lane open, we expect similar results.”

The new lane is part of the $91.5 million I-405/I-5 to SR 169 Stage 1 – Widening Project that will also open a new lane in each direction of I-405 between I-5 and SR 167 later this fall. The project was funded by the funded by the 2003 and the 2005 gas tax increases.

On weekdays about 143,000 drivers travel on I-405 through Renton and Tukwila. When we open this lane on I-405 it will mark another significant milestone in the project.

Though the new lane will open for the busy evening commute starting this afternoon, drivers may experience sporadic closures of the lane during non-peak hours so crews can put the finishing touches on the project, such as landscaping.