Regular service returns to TriMet’s MAX Blue, Green and Red Lines following nine-day disruption

TriMet has completed its nine-day project to rebuild rail on the MAX system in Northeast Portland.

MAX Blue, Green and Red Line trains returned to normal operations May 24 at the start of service.

The work completes a series of projects started earlier this spring to perform maintenance on the system. This latest work, which began on May 15, essentially rebuilt a stretch of rail near I-84, under the Northeast 33rd Avenue overpass. It will boost the overall reliability of the MAX system and improve the riding experience.

MAX lines re-opening for service

TriMet staff work to complete as many improvements to the MAX system as possible during these major track projects, while minimizing the inconvenience to riders. Around 40 contractors and 20 TriMet staff worked around the clock to rebuild the trackway to make it a smooth and dependable ride. This work completes a series of related projects across the MAX Blue Line, including the replacement of rail crossings at both the northern and southern ends of the Gateway Transit Center, as well as rail maintenance work performed in April between E 122nd Ave and Civic Drive.

The light-rail system running along 1-84 is of particular importance because it carries three MAX lines, with trains able to go full speed around the curved section that was just replaced. It’s also among the oldest sections of track, so by replacing it, TriMet can add to the system’s longevity. While ridership remains down roughly 60 percent from where it was during pre-pandemic levels, there have been more riders returning as restaurants and sporting events reopen.

Project at a glance: May 15-23

• Crews replaced around 2,600 feet of rail, some of which included parts of the original MAX Blue Line that began service in 1986.
• For improved durability, around 500 wooden crossties were replaced by versions made of concrete.
• The rail crossings where TriMet buses drive over tracks at the northern end of the Gateway Transit Center were replaced, which will create a smoother ride for bus passengers.
• TriMet used the shutdown as an opportunity to clean up litter along the tracks near the stations that were closed.
• Stations between the Gateway Transit Center and NE 7th Ave were deep cleaned.
• Crews also replaced two switch machines at the Gateway Transit Center.