Pedestrian-friendly construction begins on Williams Avenue South

Crews are cutting down trees between 2nd Street and 3rd Street as part of the project.

By Bailey Josie • October 16, 2023 2:20 pm
Plain view of the Williams Avenue South construction. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.
Plain view of the Williams Avenue South construction. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.

Construction began Monday, Oct. 16, in the 200 block of Williams Avenue South between 2nd and 3rd streets where the city will replace sidewalks and driveway aprons, remove and plant trees, remove streetlights and more.

The work is part of the Downtown Streetscapes Improvement Project, which has already implemented and improved the appearance and safety of certain parts of downtown Renton. The construction work is expected to end Dec. 31 and the project’s closeout is expected in early 2024.

Over the next few months, the following elements will be changed:

• Replacement of all sidewalks and driveway aprons

• Removal of 12 existing street trees and replacement with 14 trees, which will add seasonal variety along the block

• Replanting six street trees on nearby streets

• Installation of new litter receptacles, tree grates, and landscape strips with decorative fencing

• Removal of six existing tall streetlights and replacement with 12 pedestrian-scale streetlights outfitted with street banners, flower baskets, irrigation for baskets and holiday lighting

• Repaving and re-striping of the street’s driving and parking lanes

The Renton City Council awarded the construction contract to Active Construction Inc. in August 2023. The project management is provided by the city’s Development Engineering Division, with assistance from the Economic Development Division. The estimated costs for the project are $1,449,000.