TriMet Launching Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Elevator Improvement Program
TriMet is launching a major elevator improvement program to upgrade or replace 19 elevators throughout our system during a multi-year, $22 million project. The project includes heavily-used outdoor elevators along the MAX Blue, Green and Red lines in northeast Portland. The work will ensure the elevators remain safe and more reliable far into the future.
The project will require shutting down an elevator for 12 to 14 weeks. Since the elevator at some stations is the only way to get between the platform and street level other than the stairs, those riders reliant on the elevator will have to adjust their trips and use another station during the work.
Project begins with NE 60th Ave MAX Station
Starting May 17, the elevator project begins with the refurbishment of the elevator at the NE 60th Ave MAX Station. Just like an aging car or lawn mower, these machines eventually reach an end of life, so crews will do a major overhaul, replacing all the components of the elevator cabs including electronics, mechanical and HVAC equipment, and the panels and doors.
As there is only one elevator between the platform and street level at the NE 60th Ave Station and no ramp, this will require some riders to adjust their trips.
30+ Years of ups and downs
The elevator at the NE 60th Ave MAX Station has been in service since the MAX Blue Line began service in 1986. It’s heavily used as it is the only way to reach the MAX platform other than the stairs. More than 1,500 riders board MAX trains at the station each weekday. Because the elevator is outdoors, it is exposed to the weather elements. In winter, this outdoor elevator is subject to rain, snow, ice and condensation. In summer, the changing climate has led to intense sun beating down on the doors, making surface temperatures soar causing the metal to expand. Though TriMet worked to maintain these elevators, repeated use causes wear and tear on them, and parts need more frequent replacement.
More improvements ahead
NE 60th Ave MAX station is the first of three MAX stations to that will undergo upgrades this year with 3 to 5 elevators upgraded each year in the coming years. The elevators at NE 82nd Ave station and Hollywood/NE 42nd Avenue Transit Center are next in line for renovations this year. They also having been in service since the MAX Blue Line opened. To minimize the impact on TriMet's riders, only one elevator will be renovated at a time.
Making Transit Better
TriMet is committed to making transit better. TriMet is working to improve the overall rider experience while growing our network of buses and trains. That means increasing service frequency for less waiting at stops and less crowding on board, and adding service for more 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.
