Major improvements coming in April to TriMet’s MAX Blue Line

Published 3:30 am Thursday, March 27, 2025

TriMet is set to launch a significant upgrade to the MAX Blue Line in the coming weeks. From April 27 through May 10, crews will work on and above the tracks east of the Gateway/Northeast 99th Avenue Transit Center as part of the East Burnside MAX Improvements Project.

These two weeks of construction will focus on replacing and enhancing equipment to boost durability, reliability and provide a smoother ride for riders.

Addressing heat-related challenges

Extreme heat has been a challenge for the light rail system, particularly when it causes overhead wires to sag. To address this, TriMet will install a new automated tensioning system.

This system will replace the current setup, which uses weight stacks to maintain tension on the wires as temperatures rise. The new automated system is designed to apply more pressure and keep wires taut even in extreme heat, helping ensure a smoother ride year-round. The upgrade comes in anticipation of summer’s high temperatures.

Additionally, crews will replace approximately 8,000 feet of overhead wire as part of the improvements. This work, along with rail crossing replacement and other track enhancements, will be completed during the two-week project.

Visit this link to watch a video overview of the project:  https://youtu.be/i7i0b87Qd2k

How the construction will affect riders

TriMet is taking steps to minimize disruption and ensure riders can still get around during the construction.

Week 1 (April 27-May 3): Shuttle buses will operate between Gateway Transit Center and Cleveland Avenue MAX Station in Gresham, covering the entirety of the Blue Line.

Week 2 (May 4-10): The disruption area will be shortened, with shuttle buses serving only the stretch between East 172nd Avenue and the Cleveland Avenue MAX stations.

Riders are encouraged to plan ahead and check trimet.org/planner for updated travel information. Service alerts can also be received via text or email by visiting trimet.org/email.

Upgrading for long-term resilience

The overhead wires that power MAX trains are critical for efficient service. The upcoming project will include updates to improve these wires’ resistance to extreme heat and extend their lifespan. These upgrades will help prevent issues such as thermal expansion, which causes wires to droop during hot weather, and ensure that trains continue to run smoothly even when temperatures soar above 90 degrees.

The new automated tensioning system, capable of applying up to 3,000 pounds of pressure, will replace the current weight stacks. This improvement is part of a broader effort to modernize the system and ensure its reliability in the face of growing climate extremes.

Additional upgrades during the project include the rebuilding of the rail crossing at Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue in Gresham, which will provide a smoother experience for both drivers and MAX riders. Crews will also replace 50-100 rail ties and clear brush along the Blue Line.

Additional support for riders

During the project, TriMet staff will be present at closed stations and shuttle bus locations to assist riders. Expect to see on-street customer service staff in green vests, ride guides in blue vests, and TriMet employees wearing standard uniforms to help with connections.

TriMet will also have extra safety and security personnel to support riders throughout the construction period.

Traffic impacts

Some work will affect traffic, particularly around Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue and East Burnside Street. Crews will need to limit auto traffic to one lane in these areas, and there will be two four-hour overnight closures for rail welding, restricting all vehicle access to Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Ongoing improvements

The MAX Blue Line, the second-oldest light rail line on the West Coast, has been providing millions of trips since 1986. Recent improvements have included the introduction of Type 6 MAX trains, rail upgrades through Downtown Portland, and the ongoing MAX Red Line extension and reliability project.

Additional details on the upcoming disruption are available here.