The Next Big Thing Downtown

'X Marks the Spot' Event: MAX Track Crossing Installation

Stop by SW 6th & Yamhill Friday night to watch the sparks fly!

  • Photo of crews preparing a track crossingWhat: MAX Track Crossing Installation
  • When: Friday, September 28, 2007 · 8-10 p.m.
  • Where: SW 6th & Yamhill (look for the big orange "X")

The Portland Mall Light Rail Project is reaching another milestone as crews prepare to install two new MAX track crossings. And you're invited for a front-row seat!

What's a track crossing?

On SW 6th avenue at Yamhill and Morrison—just steps from Pioneer Courthouse Square—is where the new MAX Green Line tracks will intersect with the existing light rail tracks.

The rail crossing materials recently arrived from Europe and have already been welded together. This week, crews have been demolishing brick and concrete around the existing rails using chipping hammers, chop saws and shovels.

What you'll see Friday night:

  • First, crews will begin cutting the existing rails to make room for the cross pieces. This will be quite noisy (earplugs will be provided), and you can expect to see lots of sparks flying!
  • Next, the cross pieces will be set into place and crews will weld them to the existing rails. Again, you'll see some fireworks, along with molten metal pouring into the molds.

Live construction camera

Don't forget: You can also watch a live camera feed of the 6th & Yamhill intersection. Watch the construction cam

About "X Marks the Spot"

"X Marks the Spot" is a series of free public events taking place throughout downtown Portland. They're hard to miss: Just look for the big orange "X." To find out about future "X" events, you can sign up to receive announcements by email or add the Events & Activities RSS feed to your news reader.