STV Completes Design of First Six TriMet Substation Replacements

STV

PORTLAND, Ore. - STV announced it has completed designs for the first six traction power substations under TriMet's Banfield Type 1 Substation Replacement Project.

According to STV, the project has also received Issued for Construction (IFC) approval, marking a milestone toward modernizing the infrastructure on the MAX Blue Line. The 12 Type 1 traction power substations on the Blue Line were installed in 1983 and are nearing the end of their useful life. The STV states the 12-year replacement program will add traction power equipment, thereby reducing future maintenance costs and minimizing disruptions. Additionally, the program will improve equipment access and safety.

STV vice president and West Coast rail and transit systems lead Ja-Mie Luey, P.E., said “This is a foundational investment in the reliability and resilience of the region’s transit system. . . STV is modernizing the critical infrastructure upgrades that strengthen the backbone of MAX service today while building capacity for future improvements that directly benefit riders and the communities they connect.”

TriMet executive director of capital project delivery Jamie Snook said, “Maintaiing our transit system in a state of good repair is one of TriMet’s top priorities. . . Through our partnership with STV, we’ve advanced the replacement of our original light rail substations that are more than 40 years old is vital to keeping our region and our world-class light rail system moving and reliable for our riders and the Portland metro area.”

Over the last year and a half, STV has led the civil, structural, electrical and systems design for six substations along the Banfield corridor with eight consultants. Construction on these six substations is slated to begin this year and continue through 2028. In July 2026, STV is scheduled to begin designs for four more Banfield substation sites.