TriMet’s Portland streetcar resumes service after Morrison-Yamhill track improvements

Written by Maggie Lancaster, assistant editor
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The Morrison-Yamhill MAX improvements project reached a milestone over the weekend as the Portland streetcar resumed service.

The street is still closed to auto traffic and TriMet’s MAX service will remain on an adjusted schedule as crews complete track and intersection improvements on SW Morrison and Yamhill streets at 11th and 1st avenues.

The work is being done on the oldest section of the MAX system. Similar improvements were made last year to the 30-year-old system’s 1st Avenue and Rose Quarter areas. The switches and special trackwork at Southwest 11thAvenue connect to what was originally the end of the first ever MAX line, which went into service in 1986.

The project began on April 30. Crews removed old wooden ties, put in more durable material, installed new switch machines and track,and worked on drainage improvements. During the final week of the project crews will finish work on the signal system; replace broken asphalt, brick and Belgium Block; and prepare the rails to restore MAX service across 11th Avenue. At 1st Avenue, crews installed new sections of curved rail on Yamhill and Morrison streets.

The projects are a part of TriMet’s reinvestment efforts into the MAX system to increase the resiliency of the system and keep trains running on time. TriMet says the improvements will make the ride smoother for customers and Portland Streetcar riders, as well as benefit pedestrians, cyclists and auto drivers. All MAX line service will remain on a reduced service schedule through May 20.

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