Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The Third Street Light Rail project represents the most significant investment in the expansion of the Muni system in generations.

The project's total construction value is approximately $708 million.

The light rail alternative will be 8.5 miles in length from the Metro Green Line Aviation Station to the Expo Line, now under construction, with a travel time estimated at 20 minutes. There will be seven new stations plus an option for one more.

Constructed in 1929, the bridge is experiencing significant settling and deterioration. In addition, the bridge is supported by four piers, which are obstacles to vehicular traffic.

Under a $9 million contract with Skanska USA Civil Southeast, the supplier has provided new rail, relay rail, insulated rail joints, direct fixation fasteners and track work for a new light rail link.

Construction of the 8.3-mile line began in early 2007 and adds a second light rail alignment through downtown Portland. The MAX system now expands to a 52-mile system with 84 stations.

The next step will be for the House and Senate committees to work out the final appropriations number to be included in the legislation.

Service concluded on Sunday evening with approximately 51,000 in 10 hours on Saturday and 41,000 over an eight-hour period on Sunday. Operations ran smoothly all weekend.

Projects are expected to spur economic growth in the community by creating 60,000 direct and indirect jobs under the full $1.46 billion contract.

Falls Road Light Rail station improvements include increasing parking capacity from 97 spaces to 197 spaces as well as new lighting, landscaping and signs.