Tag: MAX train service

PORTLAND, OR – A weeklong disruption to TriMet’s MAX Blue and Red lines through the Robertson Tunnel is underway and expected to last through September 13th.  The tunnel closure is considered essential, as workers will focus on a part of the MAX system that has been in service for nearly 30 years.

During the seven-day disruption, crews will complete two major projects. One will replace about a mile of the overhead wire used to power MAX trains, including the installation of a new wire tensioning system just west of the tunnel.  In addition, crews will replace about 700 feet of track between Washington Park and Goose Hollow, will replace some rail ties, and perform deep cleaning inside the tunnel.

Shuttle buses will replace MAX service, arriving at stops from the Sunset Transit Center and the Providence Park MAX Station about every five minutes on weekdays and every seven minutes during next Saturday, September 13th.

Some trips may take up to 45 minutes longer than usual, according to TriMet.  They encourage riders traveling to and from Portland International Airport to be aware of the extra travel time and to plan ahead.  In some cases, regularly scheduled bus service may offer a faster or more direct option than using a combination of trains and buses.  Riders can plan ahead for their trips at trimet.org/planner.

For questions or help planning your trip, contact TriMet’s Customer Support Center at 503-238-RIDE (7433), available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Robertson Tunnel has been in use since 1998.  TriMet officials say it stretches three miles and contains the deepest transit station in North America, the Washington Park MAX Station, listed at 260 feet below the surface, the equivalent of the length of a football field.