The Next Big Thing Downtown

Steel Bridge Construction through August 24, 2008

Transit and auto traffic will be affected as crews install new MAX infrastructure

New MAX tracks on 5th and 6th avenues will connect with the existing MAX system on the Steel Bridge. Construction on the Glisan Ramp is under way, with more extensive work to begin in June. View live construction camera

Details on bus and MAX detours, with map (trimet.org)

Traffic impacts

  • June 1–August 30: TriMet buses will not use Steel Bridge; detours in place
  • June 10–August 1: Bridge closed to all vehicles except MAX trains
  • August 2–24: Bridge closed to all vehicles including MAX; shuttle buses provided

Bicycle and pedestrian access will be maintained on the lower deck and intermittently on the south side of the upper deck. Walking across the bridge will likely take the same amount of time as riding the shuttle. Biking will be the fastest travel option.

Work hours

Work hours have been expanded to accommodate additional maintenance activities and construction adjacent to operating light rail tracks:

  • June 1–June 9: Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • June 10–August 1: Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.
  • August 2–24: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., construction noise will be limited as required by variance. Floodlights will be used for safety.

Work details

While TriMet is working to prepare the Steel Bridge for additional MAX service, the City of Portland and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will also be performing work on the bridge and one of its approaches. 

TriMet work includes:

  • Widening a small portion of the structure's northwest edge
  • Strengthening girders
  • Installing tracks and communications equipment
  • Building pole foundations
  • Erecting poles and stringing wires for the overhead catenary system

City of Portland work includes premanent bridge repairs on the east side of the bridge, including the approach, as follows:

  • Reinforcement of concrete girders
  • Installation of shear anchors

ODOT work consists of resurfacing the outside lanes of the lift span with new asphalt paving.