Project Profile: Southwest Corridor MAX Light Rail Extension (Portland, Oregon)

The Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project is a 19.3 km extension of Portland’s TriMet MAX Green Line, engineered to establish a high-capacity transit spine from Downtown Portland to Bridgeport Village in Tualatin. This major infrastructure initiative involves extensive civil works, including 13 new stations and significant roadway modifications, to alleviate regional traffic congestion and support projected population growth. The project is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing MAX network while providing a critical transportation alternative in a rapidly developing urban corridor.

Technical Specifications

The project’s design encompasses the construction of 13 new light rail stations featuring 61-meter-long platforms to accommodate two-car train sets. The route requires significant civil engineering, including the full replacement of the seismically vulnerable Newberry and Vermont Street viaducts and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge connecting SW Barbur Boulevard to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) campus. The rolling stock will consist of approximately 32 new light rail vehicles (LRVs), fully integrated with TriMet’s existing fleet, operating at headways between 7 and 15 minutes. A new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility is being constructed in Tigard with the capacity to service and store up to 42 LRVs. The project corridor will also feature extensive multimodal upgrades, including 3.2 km of dedicated bus lanes, improved bicycle facilities, and enhanced pedestrian access to all station areas.

Key Takeaways

• Congestion Mitigation and Modal Shift: Provides a high-capacity alternative to single-occupancy vehicles in a heavily congested corridor, projected to serve 43,000 weekday riders by 2035 and significantly reduce regional carbon emissions.
• Economic Catalyst and Enhanced Access: Directly connects key regional economic, educational, and healthcare hubs—including Portland State University (PSU), OHSU, and Portland Community College—fostering transit-oriented development and improving equitable access to jobs and services.
• Integrated Multimodal Infrastructure: The project’s scope extends beyond the rail line to include seven park-and-ride facilities with 4,200 spaces, dedicated bus lanes, and upgraded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, creating a comprehensive and connected transportation network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Southwest Corridor MAX light rail open?
The Southwest Corridor Light Rail line is projected to become operational for public service by late 2027. The project, which began major construction activities in 2022, is following a multi-year timeline to complete the extensive civil engineering, systems integration, and vehicle testing required for safe and reliable operation.

Who is building the Portland Southwest Corridor project?
The Portland Southwest Corridor project is led and managed by TriMet, the regional public transportation authority. The project is funded through a partnership of federal grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), state, and local sources. Major construction and engineering work is being performed by a consortium of contracted firms specializing in heavy civil and transit system infrastructure.