TriMet in Portland, Ore., begins testing at its 85th MAX station

TriMet's MAX Blue Line trains have begun two weeks of testing at the new Civic Drive Station in Gresham, Ore. The trains will briefly stop at the station, simulating revenue service, but no passengers will be able to board or exit the train. 

This new station opens on
December 1 and will mark the 85th station along the MAX system. TriMet broke
ground on the station in May, which is located at NW Civic Drive and between
Gresham City Hall and Ruby Junction/E197th Ave MAX stations in Gresham.

This station has been in
the works since 1997. TriMet and Metro committed to building the future station
once there was enough development and density in the Gresham Civic Neighborhood
to support it. The 130-acre site was formerly used by a mill.

The station is costing $3
million, with funding provided from Metro and the Federal Transit
Administration. The city of Gresham will contribute $600,000 for a future plaza
adjacent to the MAX station that will also serve as a pedestrian connection
between the station and future development.

The new station includes
pedestrian crossing improvements, new shelters, ticket vending machines,
security cameras and interactive public art.

Trains will begin serving
the station after its official opening on December 1 from 1 to 1:30 p.m.