Portland, Ore.-based TriMet began work to improve safety, security and fare compliance at the Gresham Central MAX station. Over the next two months, crews will be installing railing, lighting and signage around the platforms to improve visibility, make the platform a fare zone and help make the overall environment safer. With the station platform as a fare zone, passengers will be required to have valid fare before boarding, making it easier to check fares at the station.

The next phase of construction includes light pole foundation work, access control railing installation and new light poles. Construction is set to be completed by mid-August.   

The cost of the access control and illumination project at Gresham Central and NE 82 Ave. stations is $740,000. Federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are funding the project, which supports 16 jobs and retains three others among the contractors working on this project.

The contractor is Aadland Evans Contractors Inc. Subcontractors include A2 Fabrications and COAT Flagging, both of which are part of TriMet’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Federal stimulus funds are also being used to improve safety and upgrade stations along the Eastside MAX line. The work includes upgrading various street and rail crossings at 12 light rail stations; installing signs and/or pavement markings such as "Look Both Ways," "Stop Here," and 'Danger No Trespassing"; station painting; replacing bike lockers with space for a total of 12 bicycles at three stations and adding new bike lockers with space for four bicycles at Gresham City Hall MAX station.

Work is under way to extensively renovate and reopen an existing bike parking facility at Gresham Central TC, with secure parking for 30 bikes. The new Bike & Ride facility will have security cameras and is set to open in the fall.   

TriMet was awarded $53.3 million in federal stimulus funds to be used to fix failing infrastructure, make the transit system more robust and put Oregonians to work. TriMet's 29 stimulus projects are projected to fund about 740 direct jobs and 1,100 indirect jobs.