Kent: 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program
The City of Kent, Washington, has officially adopted its 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a crucial six-year plan outlining the capital projects designed to significantly enhance the city's public transportation network and foster comprehensive public development. This program serves as a near-term roadmap for anticipated improvements, with projects stemming directly from the city's comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which was adopted in 2021. The TIP is a dynamic document, updated annually, that lists projects expected to commence preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, or construction within the designated six-year timeframe. It also functions as a vital tool for the city in pursuing external grant funding, recognizing that a significant portion of public infrastructure improvements are financed through such avenues, thereby maximizing public investment.
The core objectives of Kent's 2026-2031 TIP are deeply rooted in the five adopted transportation goals of the TMP: Stewardship, Strategy, Placemaking, Safety & Health, and Connectivity & Options. These guiding principles ensure that all proposed projects contribute to a holistic vision for the city's public transportation future, directly impacting the quality of life for all residents. A primary focus of the program is enhancing public safety for all modes of travel, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. This commitment is evident in planned initiatives such as the construction of enhanced crosswalks, the completion of walking paths along major roadways, and critical improvements at railway crossings. The city council's adoption of this plan on May 20, 2025, underscored its dedication to creating safer public spaces and sidewalks for the entire community.
Among the specific projects proposed for inclusion in the 2026-2031 TIP, several stand out for their potential to drive public development. The Reith Road project, spanning from Military Road to 38th Avenue South, aims to convert the roadway to a three-lane configuration, incorporating striped bike lanes and pedestrian facilities. This initiative directly addresses multimodal connectivity and safety, creating more accessible public pathways. Another significant undertaking is the Kent/BNSF Railway Corridor Crossing Safety Study, a collaborative effort with BNSF Railway, Sound Transit, and Amtrak. This study will evaluate multiple railroad crossings for potential improvements, including grade separations, building upon the success of previous partnerships to establish quiet zones in Kent, thereby improving public safety and reducing noise pollution in residential areas. Additionally, the plan includes pedestrian crossing safety improvements along SR 99, with the construction of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) at the 24800 block and at S 246th Street, designed to enhance public visibility and safety with features like crosswalks, stop lights for pedestrians, and median refuge islands.
The TIP also encompasses a priority sidewalk gap project, the specific locations of which will be determined through the Kent Target Zero Action Plan, further emphasizing the city's dedication to developing essential pedestrian infrastructure as a public good. The program categorizes its projects into key areas: Capacity and ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems), Preservation and Resilience, Multimodal Corridors, Non-motorized, and Safety. This structured approach ensures a balanced investment across various aspects of the public transportation system, from maintaining existing infrastructure to developing new facilities that promote sustainable and active transportation choices. The annual update process for the TIP involves extensive community outreach and involvement, including public feedback opportunities, ensuring that the program remains responsive to the needs and priorities of Kent residents. This systematic planning and ongoing engagement are crucial for building a safe, thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community through thoughtful public development initiatives.