South 217th St, Riverview

Connecting Southcenter Mall to Auburn, West Valley Highway, or 68th Ave. S., has a speed limit of 50mph. But don't expect to always travel the speed limit. The major arterial is a common thoroughfare for large trucks and semis making deliveries to the many businesses along the highway/avenue. The entire road is lined with trees so it doesn't really feel like an extended business complex, but it is. There aren't any homes, parks or medical clinics along this route, but it does fly through Kent, which contains several of each. Generally, traffic isn't too bad, though you'll need to watch for common commuters who weave around trying to jockey for pole position. It's a driving community, too. Not too many pedestrians along the highway, but keep your guard up, just in case. There are some fairly good restaurants and a couple of little shops as you drive through Kent, and it does offer a quick onramp to I-5 at the north end. Several major connectors take you to Tukwila, Seatac, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and Des Moines. Though it's not always the fastest route, it may be a viable alternative to I-5 rush hour traffic for southside residents.