TriMet’s Multi-Million Dollar Elevator Improvement Program Moves to NE 82nd Ave MAX Station

Starting Tuesday, August 14, TriMet announced it will begin renovating the elevator at the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station. The work will ensure the elevator remains safe and more reliable far into the future, but it also requires shutting down the elevator for 12 weeks. As there is only one elevator between the platform and street level at this MAX station, riders who need to use an elevator must adjust their trips.

Elevator refurbishment program

This spring, TriMet launched a major elevator improvement program to upgrade or replace 19 elevators during a multi-year project. Eleven of those elevators are used by the public. Crews are tackling the heavily-used outdoor elevators along the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines in northeast Portland this year. To minimize the impact on its riders, only one elevator will be renovated at a time. TriMet is just finishing the first elevator in this improvement program. At the NE 60th Ave MAX Station, crews replaced all the components of the elevator cab, including electronics, mechanical and motor cooling equipment, and the control button panels and doors. We’ve also installed a new system to help keep the elevator equipment from overheating. The same improvements will be made at the NE 82nd Ave Station.

30+ Years of Ups and Downs

The elevators at the NE 82nd Ave and NE 60th Ave stations have been in service since MAX began running in 1986. In addition to heavy daily use, the elevators are outdoors, exposing them to the elements. In winter, the elevators are subject to rain, snow, ice and condensation. In summer, intense sun beats down on the doors, causing surface temperatures to soar and the metal to expand. Though TriMet has worked to maintain these elevators, the time has come for major improvements.

More improvements ahead

Following the work at the NE 82nd Ave Station, crews will revamp the elevator at the Hollywood/NE 42nd Avenue Transit Center. After that, TriMet plans to upgrade three to five elevators each year in the coming years.

Making Transit Better

TriMet is committed to making transit better. TriMet is working to improve the overall rider experience. That means adding more service on existing bus lines for less waiting at stops and less crowding on board, and adding new service for connections to jobs, school and other community services. Meanwhile, ongoing upgrades to vehicles, stations and tracks are helping to improve reliability and make the ride more comfortable.