WA Transportation Commission approves Martin Luther King Jr. Way extension following Sen. Kauffman memorial

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Transportation Commission voted on Dec. 11 to approve the extension of Martin Luther King Jr. Way along the full length of State Route 515, following a formal request advanced during the 2025 legislative session through Senate Joint Memorial 8000, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent).

The approved action extends the Martin Luther King Jr. Way designation from its current terminus in south Seattle through Renton and along the entirety of SR 515, connecting communities across south King County. The original Martin Luther King Jr. Way designation was approved in 1986 for a portion of SR 900 between Seattle and Renton, and community leaders have long advocated for extending the naming to reflect the full corridor’s shared history and values.

“This action honors Dr. King’s legacy in a way that reflects the communities who live and work along this corridor,” Kauffman said. “It is a visible reminder of our state’s commitment to equity, dignity, and justice, and to the ongoing work required to live up to those values.”

SJM 8000 formally requested that the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to extend the Martin Luther King Jr. Way designation along SR 900 from Renton to its terminus and continue the naming along SR 515 between Interstate 405 and SR 516.

“The commission’s approval reflects strong community support and a shared understanding of why this designation matters,” Kauffman said. “This corridor runs through diverse, working communities, and the name should reflect the history, resilience, and aspirations of the people who call it home.”

Following the commission’s final action, the Washington State Department of Transportation will proceed with designing and installing the appropriate signage.

Sen. Kauffman recently discussed the approved Martin Luther King Jr. Way extension on Urban Forum Northwest. Listen to the conversation here.