|
TriMet’s “A Better Red” groundbreaking celebrated more than an extension of the MAX Red Line – it also celebrated the environment, equity and regional partnerships.
The Sept. 28 event included officials from the greater Portland area and Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez. Nafisa Fai, Washington County District 1 Commissioner, was one of the speakers.
“To Washington County, the Red Line expansion is more than an investment in transportation,” Fai said. “It’s an investment in creating safer, healthier and more livable connected communities.”
A Better Red will extend the Red Line from Beaverton Transit Center west to 10 more stations, ending at the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport. The extension will create a one-seat ride to Portland International Airport. This will reduce overcrowding on the Blue Line, improving reliability so more people can reach destinations without vehicles.
“We know that expansions in public transportation are especially important to people who struggle to find affordable, convenient housing near employment areas, shopping, medical services and recreation,” Fai said. “This extension will help ensure that the County’s mass transit system will serve more community members who depend on it.”
A Better Red also includes:
- A walkway and MAX operator break facility at the Fair Complex station.
- A second track from Gateway Transit Center to Portland International Airport (PDX).
- Two bridges for the new track. Bridges will span an existing MAX track, I-205 multiuse path, I-84 and Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
- A new platform at Gateway/NE 99th Avenue Transit Center.
- A multiuse path near the new tracks from Gateway to PDX.
- Four new light rail vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy.
Work on signals and switches at the Fair Complex is expected to start later this month. Expanded Red Line service begins in 2024. See construction updates
Project cost is about $215 million, which is being offset by $100 million in Federal Transit Administration funding. Learn more
| 
