Project Profile: Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail (MAX Orange Line) Expansion

The Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project, now the operational MAX Orange Line, is a 7.3-mile (11.7 km) extension of Portland’s light rail network. This engineering case study analyzes the project’s landmark structure, the multi-modal Tilikum Crossing bridge, and its successful integration into a complex regional transit system. The project serves as a key benchmark for urban rail development, blending innovative engineering with a robust, collaborative funding model.

Technical Specifications

A central engineering achievement of the project is the Tilikum Crossing, a 1,720-foot cable-stayed bridge over the Willamette River. Uniquely, its design prohibits private vehicle traffic, dedicating its lanes exclusively to light rail trains, city buses, cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. This multi-modal focus required precise structural engineering to accommodate disparate load requirements. Construction involved significant logistical feats, including the placement of 176 stay cables and the delivery and installation of steel girders weighing up to 46 tonnes each.

The line is operated using a fleet of 18 Siemens S70 light rail vehicles (LRVs), which were procured specifically for this extension. These low-floor vehicles enhance accessibility and feature energy-efficient systems, including regenerative braking to feed power back into the grid. The line’s integration with the existing MAX system at Portland’s city center required complex signaling and track work to ensure seamless service and operational reliability across the entire network of 97 stations.

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering Multi-Modal Infrastructure: The Tilikum Crossing bridge stands as a global example of prioritizing public transit, cycling, and pedestrian access over private automobiles in a major new infrastructure project, directly influencing urban planning philosophies.
• Effective Public-Private Funding Model: The project’s $1.49 billion budget was successfully secured through a 50/50 split between federal grants (from the FTA) and a coalition of state and local partners, providing a replicable financial template for large-scale US infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated Economic Multiplier: Beyond its transportation benefits, the project served as a significant economic engine for the region, generating an estimated 14,000 jobs and over $570 million in personal earnings during its construction phase alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project?
The Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project is the official construction name for the 7.3-mile transit extension that is now operated as the MAX Orange Line. It connects Downtown Portland with the Southeast Portland and Milwaukie communities, featuring 10 new stations and the iconic, transit-only Tilikum Crossing bridge over the Willamette River.

Who operates the MAX Orange Line?
The MAX Orange Line is operated and maintained by TriMet, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon. TriMet is the public agency responsible for most public transportation services in the Portland metropolitan area, including the entire MAX light rail network.