TriMet Blue Line trains began running again on Sunday, May 11, following a two-week disruption east of the Gateway Transit Center in East Portland. MAX trains are once again running between the E 172nd Ave and Cleveland Ave stations.

The disruption was for work on TriMet’s East Burnside MAX Improvements Project. Since the start of construction on April 27, crews have completed the following tasks:

• More than 8,000 feet of overhead contact wire was replaced in both directions.
• An auto-tensioning system for the overhead wires — which improves reliability during high temperatures — was put in place.
• A new, more durable rail crossing was installed at Northwest Eleven Mile Avenue, creating a smoother ride for both MAX riders and motorists.
• TriMet’s Clean Team deep cleaned platforms between Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Cleveland Ave, removing graffiti, picking up litter, clearing brush and sweeping platforms.

According to TriMet, this critical maintenance and modernization effort was designed to ensure more reliable service and prepare the MAX system for hot weather conditions. TriMet thanked our riders and the public for their patience while the project was underway. Such important projects cannot be completed during the overnight hours when trains are not running.