The City of Newcastle has won final state funding – $3 million – for the Coal Creek Parkway expansion project.

The $44 million project is important for Renton residents because it makes for a seamless transition to the Duvall improvement project in the city.

The money was included in the state’s transportation budget approved by the state Legislature last weekend. This money will help pay off the final bill for the project, keeping the expansion on time and under budget.

The project expands Coal Creek Parkway from two to four lanes on the south end of Newcastle, upgrading the important north-south corridor between Bellevue and Renton.

It includes left-turn pockets, landscaped medians, bike lanes, new sidewalks, curb and gutter, crosswalks, three new traffic signals, illumination, and drainage facilities.

In addition to the road improvements, the 56-year old May Creek Bridge was replaced with a four-lane structure.

A ribbon cutting is July 16.