TriMet releases plans for a rail line in southwest Portland

By Gabe Korngold, ‘21

TriMet has unveiled a multi-billion dollar design for a MAX Light Rail line to Tualatin.

The project, which includes streetscape improvements, such as 10 miles of new sidewalks, nine miles of new bike lanes, and stormwater mitigation infrastructure, is set for completion in 2027.

A diagram of the preferred route of the light rail line

The 11-mile route will run primarily on Barbur Boulevard, from the existing Portland State University MAX terminal to a new transportation hub across the road from Bridgeport Village. It will be an extension of the Green Line to Clackamas and will also be the first line to run into far southwest Portland, where many Catlin Gabel School (CGS) students live.

Major destinations include a connection to the medical centers at Marquam Hill via an inclined elevator, the many shopping centers on Barbur, the PCC Sylvania campus, downtown Tigard, and Bridgeport Village.

There will also be stark changes to the commute time along the site of the project. 

According to the Southwest Corridor’s official webpage, the full journey between Portland and Tualatin will take only half an hour. Bus service on Barbur Boulevard between Capitol Highway and downtown Portland will also be sped up with the addition of transit specific lanes, and road infrastructure on Barbur will be renovated.

A student who lives near Barbur Boulevard, CGS sophomore Keola Edelen Hare, shared his thoughts regarding the new MAX Line.

“Although I’m learning to drive, I think it’s a great addition to my neighborhood, and I will probably use it at some point,” said Edelen Hare.

He also noted the benefits of other aspects of the project, such as new sidewalks and bike lanes. 

“That will also be really nice to have in my area,” he said.

Construction on the Southwest Corridor will begin in 2022.