Transforming Auburn Way South: A Critical Corridor Upgrade for Safety and Growth
By City of Auburn Public Works Department
The Auburn Public Works Department is undertaking a vital infrastructure project that will significantly enhance one of the city's most important transportation arteries. The Auburn Way South (SR-164) from Hemlock to Poplar Project aims to expand capacity, improve safety for all users, and upgrade essential infrastructure.
Supported through Federal and State Grants and in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, this comprehensive project reflects Auburn's commitment to building a transportation network that serves the entire community and prepares for future growth.
A Long Corridor, A Long History
Auburn Way South (SR 164) spans roughly 16 miles from Auburn near SR 18 to Enumclaw, where it connects with SR 410. This arterial supports thousands of local and regional trips daily, connecting Auburn with the Muckleshoot Tribal Reservation, Enumclaw, and beyond. It serves key destinations including Downtown Auburn, the Auburn Transit Center, White River Amphitheater, Muckleshoot Casino Resort, Tribal government facilities, and local neighborhoods, businesses, and parks.
For over 20 years, the City of Auburn, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and WSDOT have worked together to maintain and improve the corridor – completing sidewalk, lighting, transit, and capacity upgrades from M Street SE to Hemlock Street. Recent improvements on Riverwalk Drive and frontage upgrades near Chinook Elementary, including a roundabout, further strengthened the corridor.
The current project phase focuses on the segment between Hemlock Street and Redwood Court, which currently has one lane in each direction, leading to congestion during rush hour and events. Pedestrian access is limited by missing sidewalks, limited lighting, and outdated bus stops. The two-lane roundabout near Chinook Elementary also operates below capacity due to approach limitations.
Project Improvements
This project includes a range of upgrades for all travel modes:
• Roadway: Expanding from three to five lanes to ease congestion, per WSDOT’s SR 164 Route Development Plan.
• Pedestrian: Adding sidewalks, lighting, and an enhanced crossing at Poplar Street to improve safety and access to transit.
• Transit: Installing upgraded bus stops with pullouts for King County Metro and Muckleshoot Tribal Transit.
• Infrastructure: Improving storm drainage, upgrading the watermain, and adding intermittent medians to control traffic movements.
A Collaborative Effort
The project reflects years of planning by the City and WSDOT and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to add non-motorized facilities along the corridor. It also supports Auburn’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which identified Auburn Way South as a Safety Emphasis Corridor due to past serious injurty and fatality crashes.
Looking Ahead
With a total estimated cost of $13 million, construction began this year and will continue for 6 to 12 months, depending on weather and material availability. The improvements will reduce travel times, enhance safety, and boost access to destinations – supporting Auburn’s values of service, sustainability, and wellness while promoting growth and community vitality.