The TriMet Board of Directors approved two resolutions at its April 24 meeting that will help move forward the planned MAX Red Line extension to Hillsboro and the addition of a second track to sections of the line near Portland International Airport and Gateway Transit Center. The resolutions adopted include approval of the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the project and authorization for TriMet to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Port of Portland.
TriMet explains that the intergovernmental agreement commits TriMet to continue funding further design of the project and to work with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on the total cost estimates and benefits of the project. This is the next step towards securing funding from the FTA that could pay for half of the $200 million project, with TriMet paying the other half.
Both resolutions will provide support for TriMet’s MAX Red Line Extension and Reliability Improvements Project, which aims to improve service on all five MAX lines and extend from Beaverton to Hillsboro. TriMet says MAX riders west of Beaverton Transit Center have been requesting Red Line service for many years. The plan is to extend the Red Line ten stations to the west, to run between the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport Station and Portland’s airport. The MAX Blue Line currently is the only light-rail service west of Beaverton Transit Center and trains are often crowded during peak travel times.
In order to extend service, infrastructure improvements to track and switches, upgrading the signal system and building an operator break facility at the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport Station. TriMet says this will allow for the addition of 10 stations along the Red Line, as well as improve MAX frequency at these stations and reduce overcrowding on the Blue Line. Additionally, TriMet plans to add up to eight new light-rail vehicles to accommodate the extended service and make improvements to its Ruby Junction maintenance facility in Gresham, where the trains are serviced.
The MAX Red Line project will also improve system-wide reliability by adding a second track to sections of the line in northeast Portland where currently there is only a single track. TriMet says delayed Red Line trains between Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Portland International Airport can ripple through its system and impact MAX Blue and Green line trains that also pass through Gateway Transit Center. The addition of a second track will improve train flow through Gateway Transit Center and reduce delays for all MAX riders.
Construction is expected to begin on the improvements in 2021-2022 with service starting about two years later. Currently, TriMet is in the process of applying for FTA funding for the improvements.
