TriMet is set to perform essential upgrades on a vital section of the MAX light rail system in Downtown Portland, specifically impacting the area around Providence Park and Southwest Morrison Street. This necessary work will cause a weekend disruption for MAX Blue and Red Line riders, from Saturday, November 16th, through Sunday, November 17th. If your weekend plans include traveling near Providence Park or along Southwest Morrison Street in Portland, OR, be sure to plan ahead for minor delays and service adjustments.
The construction zone will be concentrated near the Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station, stretching along Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street. While no MAX stations will be fully closed, the work will affect train service between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. Specifically, only the westbound platform at Providence Park will be temporarily out of service. For those heading westbound from Providence Park, please use the eastbound platform during this period. Regular MAX Blue and Red Line services are scheduled to resume on Monday, November 18th. It’s important to note that MAX Green, Orange, and Yellow Lines will operate without disruption, maintaining their regular schedules.
To assist passengers during this temporary inconvenience, TriMet will operate shuttle buses to bridge the gap between the Galleria/SW 10th Ave and Providence Park MAX stations. For those who prefer active transportation, the distance between these stations is a walkable 0.40 miles, approximately an eight-minute journey by foot, bike, or mobility device.
MAX System Map showing the service disruption area near Providence Park and Southwest Morrison Street in Portland, Oregon
The SW 11th Ave & Morrison MAX Improvement Project centers around the removal of a rail switch located at Southwest 11th Avenue and Morrison Street. This switch, part of the original MAX Blue Line infrastructure dating back to 1986, was crucial for train turnarounds when Downtown Portland served as the line’s endpoint until 1997. With the expansion of the MAX Blue Line westward to Washington County in 1998, this switch now primarily serves extra trains during events at Providence Park, such as Timbers and Thorns soccer games, or other special occasions. Removing this switch is part of TriMet’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the MAX system.
This weekend timeframe allows crews to work continuously, ensuring the project is completed swiftly and efficiently, minimizing long-term disruptions. Shuttle buses are expected to arrive approximately every five minutes, facilitating transfers between the affected MAX stations. To stay informed about this and other service updates, riders are encouraged to sign up for TriMet service alerts at trimet.org/alerts.
Plan Your Route Around Providence Park This Weekend
While the project’s footprint is relatively small, passengers traveling on the MAX Blue and Red lines through Downtown Portland should allocate an extra 15 minutes for their journeys. Motorists should also anticipate minor traffic impacts on Southwest Morrison Street between Southwest 10th and 12th Avenues during the construction. Traffic flaggers and signage will be in place to guide vehicles safely around the work zone.
TriMet staff will be stationed near shuttle bus stops throughout the day to provide assistance and directions. Clear signs will also guide passengers to the designated shuttle locations.
For Eastbound Travel from Hillsboro:
Passengers traveling eastbound from Hillsboro towards Downtown Portland will disembark at Providence Park Station. To continue your MAX journey, board a shuttle bus on Southwest 18th Avenue near Southwest Morrison Street. This shuttle will transport you to a stop at Southwest 10th Avenue. From there, proceed south to the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station to connect with MAX Blue Line trains towards Gresham or MAX Red Line trains towards Portland International Airport.
For Westbound Travel to Hillsboro:
MAX Blue and Red Line trains heading westbound to Hillsboro will stop at the SW 10th Ave/Galleria MAX Station. To proceed westward, board the shuttle bus at Southwest 10th Avenue and Morrison Street. This shuttle will take you to Southwest 18th Avenue, near Providence Park MAX Station. From the eastbound platform at Providence Park, you can board a MAX Blue Line train to Hatfield Government Center MAX Station or a MAX Red Line train to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds MAX Station.
Sunday, November 17th: Expect Higher Shuttle Bus Demand
Please be aware that the Portland Trail Blazers are hosting a 3 p.m. game at the Moda Center on Sunday, November 17th. This event is likely to increase passenger volume near Providence Park, potentially leading to higher demand for shuttle buses. Consider walking, biking, or using a mobility device between Providence Park and the Library/SW 9th Ave MAX Station as an alternative, especially on Sunday. These stations are conveniently located less than half a mile apart via Southwest Yamhill Street.
Enhancing Reliability for the Future
TriMet Making Transit Better Logo emphasizing service improvements and reliability
These improvements are a crucial part of TriMet’s commitment to ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of the MAX light rail system. With approximately 60 miles of track and 97 stations across three counties, MAX is a vital transportation artery in the region, being the third largest and second oldest light rail system in the Western United States.
Regular upgrades like the SW 11th Ave & Morrison MAX Improvement Project contribute to a smoother, more dependable ride for all passengers. Recent reliability projects include adding track near the Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport, optimizing train flow through the Gateway area, and extending the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro Airport/Fairgrounds through the A Better Red MAX Improvements and Reliability Project.
TriMet crews are dedicated to maintaining a high-performing transit system. Your understanding and patience during this brief service adjustment are greatly appreciated as they work to enhance the MAX system for years to come. For further details about this project, please visit trimet.org/improvements.
