This cache is part of the Valley Cities GeoTour 2019. If you are participating in the GeoTour, be sure to record each cache's code word or punch in your series passport to verify your visit. There are 40 caches placed throughout the four cities to take you to a variety of interesting or beautiful locations, and provide you with fun and informative geocaching experiences.
VALLEY CITIES 2019 - RENTON - 405 RUNS THROUGH IT
Besides SR 167, I-405 is the other major multi-lane highway that runs through Renton. To get just about anywhere outside of Renton, you are either taking I-405 or SR 167. We drive on this major highways but do we ever thinking about, well how they got here? Perhaps I can shed some light on that.
I-405 is a 30 mile (46KM) north-south highway that serves the communities of starting at its intersection with I-5 in Tukwila and continues east to Renton then north along the east side of Lake Washington through the communities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell and finally Lynnwood at the northern terminus where I-405 connects back up with I-5.
The first road connecting most of the eastside communities, Secondary State Highway 2A (SSH 2A), was already in existence since at least 1927. SSH 2A connected US 10 (now I-90) and US 410 in Renton to the north, through Kirkland and Bothell, connecting back to US 99 in Everett. In 1964, the system of Primary and Secondary state highways was removed in favor of signed routes, and PSH 2A was renumbered SR 405. The first segment of the interstate to be completed was between Tukwila and Renton, opening to traffic on August 31, 1965. By 1971, SR 405 was renumbered to Interstate 405 after it was completely improved to Interstate Highway standards.
One of the major construction projects on the highway was straightening the s-curves in Renton. This project began in 1990, and was estimated to cost $70 million. Also during this time the portion of the highway between I-5 and South Renton was being repaved and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were being added.
On September 27, 2015, a set of high-occupancy toll lanes (HOT lanes) opened on I-405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood, replacing the existing HOV lanes from NE 6th Street to I-5/SR 525.
THE CACHE
This cache IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM I-405! Do NOT even attempt it from there. Dont let auto-routing lure you into parking on 405 to the get the cache. You wont be able to access from there anyway. You CAN park within 50 feet of the cache just north of 405. Should be a quick and easy find.
2019 is the first year of a formal GeoTour for the expanded geocaching adventure in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton & Maple Valley, Washington. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, auburntourism.com, visitkent, the Port of Seattle and the WSGA are stakeholders in this GeoTour. There are 10 caches placed in each city. The geocaches highlight some scenic outdoor area, park, trail, or general area of interest in these cities. We hope you enjoy visiting the area, learning about its natural beauty and interesting outdoor areas. You can visit the website for information about lodging discounts, restaurant, brewery and other discounts that are available while you are visiting our area, Valley Cities GeoTour.