Reconstructed stairs open at NE 82nd Ave MAX Station, signaling the final phase of construction
TriMet has fully reopened the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station, including a rebuilt staircase, after completing the main phase of a major renovation project. The reopening of the permanent stairs caps a six-month closure. Now, riders are experiencing a cleaner, brighter and more comfortable station.
The station’s permanent platform and stairs closed in June to allow crews to remodel them from the ground up. The station is among our oldest. Constructed in 1986, it has received millions of visitors over the years. Heavy use had led to cracking of the concrete and wear and tear of other features.
The renovation marks one of the most significant MAX station overhauls to date, bringing long-needed upgrades to the system’s busiest MAX station along Interstate 84.
Construction crews are wrapping up final work by removing the temporary platform and stairs, and putting the finishing touches on the station. While those are underway, the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station is open for use, ushering in a new era where it can better serve the region well into the future.
The renovation focused on modernizing aging infrastructure while improving the overall rider experience. Key improvements include:
- A fully rebuilt platform with enhanced lighting to improve visibility and safety
- A new, wider stairway to reduce crowding
- Upgraded shelters, including an additional one, that provide better weather protection
- Improved accessibility features, including new tactile strips and digital displays
- Upgraded security features, including blue-light phones and new, higher-quality security cameras
- Durable materials to withstand heavy daily use and help prevent misuse
Why ‘state of good repair’ matters
Maintaining our infrastructure in a state of good repair is essential to providing safe and reliable transit service, making it one of the Federal Transit Administration’s highest priorities. While stations, vehicles and equipment all have a limited service life, regular upkeep and projects like this help prevent costly failures. This reduces expenses and minimizes service disruptions for riders.
In the long term, addressing aging infrastructure before problems occur is the more economical choice than deferring repairs. Projects like the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station renovation are investments. They allow TriMet to replace outdated elements, improve safety and ensure that stations can handle current and future ridership demands.
Making Transit Better
Renovating the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station reflects TriMet’s ongoing commitment to Making Transit Better. By modernizing key stations, improving safety and comfort, and investing in long-term reliability, TriMet is delivering a transit system that works better for riders today and keeps it dependable for decades to come.
Completion of the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station comes as TriMet approaches the one-year anniversary of introducing our new Type 6 MAX trains, a major milestone in modernizing the region’s transit system. As the next generation of MAX, the Type 6 offers improved reliability, enhanced safety and communications features and a more comfortable ride for customers.
There’s a direct connection between this station and the fleet transition. The NE 82nd Ave MAX Station opened at the same time as TriMet’s original Type 1 trains – in 1986 – and are now being phased out as they reach the end of their useful life. Just as the Type 1 vehicles are being replaced by modern trains built for today’s needs, this renovation replaces aging station infrastructure with features designed to support today’s riders.
For more information about how TriMet is Making Transit Better, visit trimet.org/bettertransit.