Most of the work throughout TriMet’s oldest light rail line will not block service, but three disruptions are planned
TriMet’s MAX Blue Line Improvements project is underway now through May 23, 2021. Multiple improvements are happening throughout our oldest light rail line. From replacing rail, just 20 feet in some areas and more than 2,600 feet in the curved trackway west of the Hollywood Transit Center, to adding new concrete rail ties in that area, this will improve the durability of the trackbed and make the ride smoother. We’re making other improvements as well, including replacing two heavily used switch machines at Gateway Transit Center and rebuilding rail crossings inside the transit center where buses cross MAX tracks.
Much of the work is being done in overnight hours or in a way that it doesn’t disrupt MAX service. However, there will be some days where trains will run on a single track in both directions on the west side of the MAX system. There will also be a few times, stretching from two days to nine days, when shuttle buses will replace trains in areas.
TriMet will alert riders in advance when the MAX Blue Line Improvements project affects service. Before making trips, we suggest checking trimet.org/alerts for the latest information. Those who prefer email or text message can sign up to receive notifications in their inbox. Riders planning to use TriMet to reach their vaccination appointment will want to give themselves even more time to ensure they reach their appointment ahead of their scheduled time.
For more information on the MAX Blue Line Improvements project, go to our webpage trimet.org/alerts/blueline.
Plan ahead for some MAX delays on the west side
April 12 to April 25
TriMet will be running MAX trains in both directions on a single track at times between April 12 and April 25 and in areas between Hatfield Government Center in Hillsboro and the Goose Hollow/SW Jefferson St Station.
While running both eastbound and westbound on a single track keeps riders moving without disrupting MAX service, we do recommend riders plan extra time as trains will run slower during this operation. Delays may last up to 20 minutes. Riders also may need to board or exit trains on opposite platforms than regular. To see alerts for those stations go to trimet.org/alerts. To check arrival times, go to trimet.org/tracker.
We urge everyone to be extra alert during this time and always look both ways when crossing railroad tracks.
Plan ahead for MAX disruptions on the east side
April 17-18
MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be disrupted the weekend of April 17-18 due to rail crossing improvements and switch machine replacements near the Gateway Transit Center.
Due to the complication of turning trains back at the Gateway Transit Center, MAX service will be affected throughout all three lines.
- MAX Blue Line trains will be the only trains running between Hillsboro and Gateway Transit Center, and they will arrive every 10 minutes. Blue Line trains also will run between E 102nd Ave and Cleveland Ave stations, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- MAX Green Line trains will only run between Clackamas Town Center and SE Main St Station, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- MAX Red Line trains will only run between Gateway and Portland International Airport, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- Riders will need to use MAX Blue Line trains on the west side, and between Rose Quarter and Gateway transit centers.
- Shuttle buses will run between Gateway Transit Center and SE Main St Station on the Green Line and Gateway Transit Center and E 102nd Ave on the Blue Line.
- MAX Orange and Yellow lines will not be affected.
MAX Blue, Green and Red line riders should plan an extra 15 minutes for trips during the weekend.
May 3-7
Trains will be disrupted on MAX Blue Line between E 122nd Ave and Civic Drive stations from Monday, May 3, through Friday, May 7, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Shuttle buses will provide service between those stations during those times. Riders should plan an extra 30 minutes for trips in this area.
May 15-23
- MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be disrupted from Saturday, May 15, through Sunday, May 23. There will be no MAX service between NE 7th Ave and Gateway Transit Center.
- MAX Blue Line trains will be the only trains running between Hillsboro and NE 7th Ave, and they will arrive every 8 minutes during most of the day and every 20 minutes in the early morning and late at night.
- MAX Blue Line trains also will run between Gateway Transit Center and Cleveland Ave Station, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- MAX Green Line trains will only run between Clackamas Town Center and Gateway Transit Center, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- MAX Red Line trains will only run between Gateway and Portland International Airport, and they will arrive every 20 minutes.
- Riders will need to use MAX Blue Line trains on the west side, and between Rose Quarter and NE 7th Ave Station.
- Shuttle buses will serve stations between NE 7th Ave Station and Gateway Transit Center.
- MAX Orange and Yellow lines will not be affected.
We will have TriMet employees out on the system to assist riders during the disruptions. Signs and other visual cues will also be posted to act as a guide to riders and direct them to shuttle bus locations. To plan your trip in advance of the disruptions, go to trimet.org/tripplanner.
Rail replacement
Over time, rail can wear down due to the friction and jostle of regular train movement. One of the improvements during the MAX Blue Line Improvements project will be replacing around 2,600 feet of rail, curved at a slight angle in a section of track that runs along I-84. This is the oldest stretch of the MAX system going back to 1986.
In this same area, crews will replace around 500 wood ties with a newer type of concrete tie. These can be used in the same places as wood ties because they respond to vibrations in a similar way and have the same dimensions. However, they are much more durable and their use in this project is a first for TriMet. Crews also will replace much smaller sections of rail in other areas of the Blue Line as regular maintenance is necessary as a light rail line ages.
TriMet will use the opportunity to perform other upgrades as well, including replacing two of our oldest switch machines near the Gateway Transit Center and clearing the tracks of debris and replacing two rail crossings. The crossings are at the north and south ends of Gateway Transit Center where buses cross the tracks. These are also original parts of the MAX Blue Line. These rail crossings have supported the weight of daily bus traffic for more than 30 years and will be replaced with crossing panels that provide more support. Once the cast-in-place concrete slabs are installed, the ride will be smoother when buses go over the crossing.
COVID-19 precautions
Following the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority, TriMet is requiring riders to use masks on all TriMet buses and trains. Disposable masks are available on board all vehicles, including shuttle buses, for those who do not have their own.
We also continue promoting physical distancing on board, as well as at stations and stops. To do this, we’re limiting the number of passengers on board buses and trains to help people spread out. We’re also asking riders to exit through the rear doors of buses if they are able. Signs placed on passenger seats give visual clues of where not to sit, to allow safe distancing. Messages about safe riding behavior can also be heard in the overhead announcements on buses and trains.
Making Transit Better
Performing necessary improvements to MAX tracks, switches and equipment helps to improve service by making the system more resilient and minimizing delays and disruptions in the future. Over the past five years, on-time performance of MAX trains has improved from 75% in November 2015 to around 90% today. Upgrades and routine maintenance also reduce the wear and tear on our trains and brings the latest technology to older sections of our light rail system like the MAX Blue Line, which has been in use for more than 30 years.
Our MAX customers will continue to see more improvements in the coming years as we work to rejuvenate our light rail system to keep trains moving and on schedule. Learn about past projects and other ways TriMet is making transit better.