The Next Big Thing Downtown

Fewer Poles Means More Room for Pedestrians

Photo of new headspan wiring system for the Portland Mall

An improved headspan system (now on display at SW 5th & Stark)
will require fewer poles to support signals and electrical cables
on 5th and 6th avenues.

For the Portland Mall Light Rail Project, TriMet is introducing an improved system for wiring traffic signals and electricity for MAX.

The new system will reduce the number of poles required, leaving more space on the Mall’s pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

At intersections along 5th and 6th avenues, a single pair of poles with overhead wires (called a “headspan”) will support traffic signals, signs and the cables that supply electricity to MAX. This eliminates the need for at least one pole per intersection.

In some places, wires will be anchored to buildings instead of poles. (Stop by SW 5th & Morrison or 5th & Alder to see anchored wires in action.)

Plus, the new poles measure a slender 10 inches in diameter, compared to standard 16-inch poles.

You can view a demonstration of the new headspan system at SW 5th & Stark.