TriMet To Start Two-Part Eastside MAX Improvements Project in October

PORTLAND, Ore. - TriMet announces a two-part MAX improvements project will start in October 2025.

According to the news report, the two-part MAX improvement project will take place over seven days this October on the Eastside of Willamette River. TriMet says its MAX trains will be disrupted in two separate sections during this time. More specific information for riders regarding shuttle buses can be found at TriMet’s website.

Eastside MAX Improvements Project

Beginning Oct. 12, the first phase of the project will be underway. The MAX Blue, Green, and Red lines will have a one-day disruption. Monday, Oct. 13, TriMet says the closed stations between Rose Quarter Transit Center and Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center will reopen.

The second phase of the project will begin as work shifts to the MAX Red Line. There will be disrupted service between Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Portland International Airport until Oct. 18. On Sunday, Oct. 19, all MAX lines will resume regular operations.

During the one-day disruption, crews will remove construction scaffolding at the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station platform stairs. Crews will also install light poles located along the upper stair wall. TriMet states the station has been undergoing improvements since June, and crews have performed said work without disrupting service. At the station, crews are rebuilding the existing stairway, re-roofing and refurbishing the current shelter, and adding a second shelter on the east end of the platform. This second shelter will provide protection for passengers from inclement weather.

This disruption will also allow crews to “replace 100 feet of curved rail at the east end of the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center.” This “Fish Hook” curves around said transit center and has been in service since 2001. At nearby Cascades Station, crews will also replace curved rail, replace ties, remove litter, and perform deep cleaning at stations.