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    1. Rail
    2. Infrastructure

    Portland International Airport MAX Station closing for two months to accommodate concourse construction

    March 23, 2020
    TriMet says the station will be closed from March 29 to May 30.
    Related To: TriMet
    TriMet
    Trimet 5e78e5089edb5

    TriMet’s Portland International Airport MAX Station will be closed from March 29 to May 30 due to the planned expansion of Concourse B, which requires demolition and construction work.

    Travelers taking the MAX Red Line to and from Portland International Airport will have a short shuttle bus connection between PDX and the Mt Hood Ave MAX Station. 

    During the station closure, the MAX Red Line will end and begin service at the Mt Hood Ave Station, located about two miles from the airport. Shuttle buses operated by PDX will take MAX riders between the stations every five to 15 minutes for most of the day, in sync with the Red Line’s schedule.

    The temporary closure of the airport station comes as COVID-19 has led to canceled flights and changes in travel plans, including spring break. But for those who need to travel, the airport remains open and operational. As TriMet has increased its nightly disinfecting of buses and trains, the Port of Portland has enhanced cleaning efforts of its shuttle buses, terminals and information booths.

    Closed for construction, open to questions

    TriMet says it has been planning for the station’s closure for months as a way of protecting the safety of its riders during the concourse construction. TriMet and the Port of Portland will also take advantage of the station closure by preparing for track improvements that will make for a better MAX Red Line in the future, increasing the reliability and resiliency of the overall MAX system.

    The spring closure will be the first of two for the station. The second closure will take place from Aug. 30-Nov. 14, with the same shuttle buses running during that 11-week period. TriMet says it understands this is another change for people who must travel, and it appreciates riders’ patience as it works through these temporary closures.

    At the Mt Hood Ave Station, a recording will announce the station as the last stop, and riders will be directed to exit the train and board an awaiting shuttle bus. With fewer people riding TriMet for work or air travel due to COVID-19, there is more space on MAX trains. TriMet says its urging everyone to be respectful of other people’s space, maintaining at least three feet of distance from others, covering one’s face with a sleeve when coughing or sneezing and taking precautions, such as bringing some form of hand sanitizer. The TSA is now allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer onto planes as part of their carry-on luggage.