July 7, 2006

TriMet holds open houses

July events highlight new light rail and commuter rail projects

In July, TriMet will host a series of open houses to highlight the I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project and the Washington County Commuter Rail Project. Construction on these projects is set to begin within the next six months.

Open Houses:

Tuesday, July 18 5-7 p.m. Clackamas Town Center - Center Court across from Meier and Frank Sunnyside Rd and 82nd Ave

Wednesday, July 19 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. Portland Building, Room C 1120 SW 5th Ave., 2nd floor

Friday, July 21 Noon - 2:30 p.m. Bridgeport Village - Center Court Gazebo 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd., Tigard

I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project:

The project will add light rail between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center, and to 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University. The extension is part of the proposed 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail project set to begin construction early in 2007 and will open in September 2009.

About Washington County Commuter Rail Project:

In September, the project is expected to receive federal approval to enter into a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) to proceed into full construction. The 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail will serve the heavily traveled I-5 and Highway 217 corridor, traveling between Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Average daily ridership is estimated between 3,000 to 4,000 trips by 2020, with half of the riders new to transit. Trains will travel an average of 37 mph, with a top speed of 60 mph. The rail line is set to open in fall 2008.