TriMet’s Robertson Tunnel Closes Sept 7 for Track and Overhead Wire Work
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of TriMet
PORTLAND, Ore. - TriMet will close its tunnel under Washington Park to allow for MAX improvements from September 7 to 13.
The Robertson Tunnel was finished in 1998 and is three miles long. It will undergo a “seven-day disruption” to allow for track and overhead wire improvements. The tunnel is home “to the deepest transit station in North America, Washington Park MAX station,” according to the report. TriMet crews will work to complete two projects during this time.
First, crews will replace overhead wire along one mile and install a “new wire tensioning system” located west of the tunnel. TriMet states it installed this same system in spring 2025 on the MAX Blue Line in East Portland. It replaces older weight stacks to prevent wires from sagging in the extreme heat by applying 3,000 pounds of consistent pressure to keep the wires tight.
Second, crews will replace about 700 feet of track and rail ties located between Washington Park and Goose Hollow. They will also deep clean inside the tunnel.
More detailed information for passengers on shuttle bus service in lieu of the disruption can be found here.
