June 28, 2006
Downtown bus relocation plan finalized
Buses along Portland Mall relocated during light rail construction
TriMet today unveiled its final plan to relocate buses off the Portland Mall during construction of the Portland Mall Light Rail project. The project is part of the 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail extension set to begin construction in mid-January 2007 and continue through spring 2009.
After receiving hundreds of public comments and completing additional traffic analysis, TriMet updated its earlier proposals. Riders wanted service to closely mirror existing Mall operations, keeping buses close together to ensure convenient transfer between lines.
Final Bus Plan
- Bus stops will be located approximately every 4-5 blocks
- 17 bus lines will run on 3rd and 4th avenues, carrying 85 percent of downtown riders on weekdays
- 7 bus lines will run on Columbia and Jefferson streets, carrying six percent of weekday downtown riders
- Line 14-Hawthorne will run on SW 2nd Ave and cross the Morrison Bridge before returning to its regular route on SE Hawthorne. Line 14 carries eight percent of downtown riders
- Frequent Service on Line 9-Powell will be extended to the Union Station area to connect with Amtrak and Greyhound arrivals and departures. Night service on Powell will be added between SE 98th and Union Station, running every 15 minutes until about 10 p.m., seven days a week.
- Line 77-Broadway/Halsey will be rerouted to run in front of Union Station
- Line 1-Greeley will become Line 35-Greeley and continue through downtown as Line 35-Macadam. Line 40-Mocks Crest will become Line 44-Mocks Crest and continue through as Line 44- Capitol Hwy.
The plan will keep traffic on these streets moving, provide access to parking garages and accommodate buses during construction.
About the Project
The 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail project will add light rail to 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University, and between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center. The line will add 22 stations and extend the MAX system to 52 miles. The line is set to open in September 2009.