Tag: Max

Infrastructure

MAX Red Line Reopens to PDX

On Sunday, October 22nd, MAX Red Line trains resumed service between the Gateway Transit Center and the Portland International Airport (PDX). This concludes a multi-month-long disruption to rail service that began on June 18th. During the closures, transit riders used shuttle buses to bypass the affected segment while crews constructed an improved PDX station and furthered track expansion work.

This record-long TriMet light rail closure supported work on TriMet’s system improvement project called A Better Red. Crews began construction in September 2021, with an anticipated completion date planned for the fall of 2024. The work underway improves schedule reliability for the entire MAX system by adding a second track near PDX and the Gateway Transit Center. TriMet constructed those segments with a single shared railway that requires trains to wait for opposing traffic to clear before proceeding. A new bridge spanning Interstate 84 at Gateway supports the second track leading to the transit center and will provide a multimodal access point to the north end of the Gateway Green off-road cycling park.

Although TriMet concluded the four-month-long closure, work on the second track remains incomplete. MAX Red Line trains still share a rail segment near the Gateway Transit Center and will continue single-track operation until the new station platform and rail installation occur. However, most remaining work will not require prolonged closures to MAX service.

Article and phots by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Infrastructure

Prolonged MAX Train Disruption

Starting Sunday, April 16th, TriMet will temporarily close four MAX stations between the Gateway Transit Center and NE 7th Avenue. The light rail disruption will last through Saturday, May 6th, requiring riders to use shuttle buses for transit connections. The 21-day construction window facilitates track tie-in work near the Gateway Transit Center for the A Better Red MAX line extension and maintenance work near the Hollywood Transit Center, replacing rail and ties. TriMet staff suggests travelers plan any trip through this section in advance, as bus lines could see an increase in ridership as people take alternate routes to their destinations.

The station closures affect all MAX Blue, Green, and Red line trains. However, shuttle buses will run every five to seven minutes for Blue Line riders. MAX Green Line trains will only run between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center. MAX Red Line trains will only run between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport, with no service west of Gateway Transit Center. TriMet asks people to use MAX Orange or Blue Line routes for trips west of the NE 7th Avenue Station. Orange and Yellow Line trains will travel uninterrupted with regular service.

TriMet provided map of shuttle bus service from April 16th through May 6th

TriMet’s, A Better Red project began construction in September 2021 and is set to complete in fall 2024. Work on the commuter rail system extends the MAX Red Line west to serve ten more stations in Beaverton and Hillsboro. The project also improves schedule reliability for the entire MAX system by adding a second track near Portland International Airport and Gateway Transit Center. A new bridge spanning Interstate 84 at Gateway is required to support a second track and will provide a multimodal access point to the north end of the Gateway Green off-road cycling park. Prolonged disruptions to public transit are a burden for regular riders, but these improvements should help speed up routes and make for a more reliable system.

TriMet provided video about work occurring this month

By

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Infrastructure, Renovation

MAX Blue Line Revitalize at 102nd

TriMet repair crews will close the MAX Blue Line this weekend between Gateway Transit Center and East 122nd Avenue. Shuttle bus service will transport MAX riders around the closure as workers revitalize tracks between the two stations and a rail crossing at East 102nd Avenue and Burnside Street. Construction will begin on September 23rd and be complete on the 26th. However, the Blue Line disruption and shuttle service will only occur during the weekend on the 24th and 25th.

Operators will adjust the MAX system during the four-day project, running all trains every 20 minutes throughout most of the day. Riders are encouraged to plan their trip ahead of time and check the trains’ location in real-time on trimet.org. Drivers in the area may also anticipate some disruption due to construction on the tracks. During the rail line interruption, extra TriMet staff at select stations will assist riders in making connections. Additional information about this transit disruption is available on the TriMet website.

By

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Construction, Infrastructure, View of Montavilla

New Max Platform at Gateway Station

Last week, planners submitted Design Review request 21-022957 for upgrades at Gateway Transit Center. TriMet will construct a new station platform for the Max Red Line as part of the A Better Red project. The new platform will serve trains traveling from the Portland International Airport towards Portland’s City Center.

Aside from faster travel times for Red Line passengers, this project will bring improvements to the area. The new Max track over the Freeway will include a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to the Gateway Green park. The new platform will be two blocks away from the other stops at the station, requiring a connecting sidewalk along the back edge to the Park and Ride property. With improved lighting, increased activity, and fencing, the security at that parking lot could improve.

Pedestrian and bicycle bridge to the Gateway Green

Construction will begin this year and run through 2023. This transit project should be an exciting upgrade to local infrastructure with improved access to an isolated bike park. A more detailed timeline will take shape later this year as construction permits are submitted.

Looking from current Max platforms towards new Red Line stop

Renderings courtesy of TriMet