Trimet Open Houses Highlight Plans for Two Light Rail Lines

In July, TriMet will host a series of open houses to highlight the I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project and the Washington County Commuter Rail Project. Construction on these projects is set to begin within the next six months.
The open houses are set for the following times and locations:
• 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, Clackamas Town Center, Center Court across from Meier and Frank, corner of Sunnyside Road and Southeast 82nd Avenue.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, Portland Building, Room C, 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave.
• Noon to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 21, Bridgeport Village Center Court Gazebo, 7455 S.W. Bridgeport Road in Tigard.
The I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project will add light rail between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center, and to Fifth and Sixth avenues between Union Station and Portland State University on the West side. The extension is part of the proposed 8.3-mile I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail project set to begin construction early in 2007, which will open in September 2009.
In September, the Washington County Commuter Rail Project is expected to receive federal approval to enter into a full funding grant agreement to proceed into full construction. The 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail will serve the heavily traveled I-5 and Oregon 217 corridor, traveling between Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Average daily ridership is estimated between 3,000 to 4,000 trips by 2020, with half of the riders new to transit. Trains will travel an average of 37 mph, with a top speed of 60 mph. The rail line is set to open in fall 2008.
For more information on both projects, or to receive updates by e-mail, visit www.trimet.org.