The Next Big Thing Downtown

Mall Design and Future Transit Service

The I-205/Portland Mall Light Rail Project is designed to improve transit service and help revitalize two of Portland's signature downtown streets to create a vibrant and inviting urban center.

2009 Mall transit service
  • The future MAX Green Line (Clackamas Town Center-City Center) and existing MAX Yellow Line (Expo Center-City Center) will run north-south on new tracks being built on 5th and 6th avenues between Union Station and Portland State University.
  • Refurbished streets, sidewalks and shelters will create a friendly and welcoming environment for transit riders, shoppers, residents and visitors.
  • A continuous through-lane with separate signals will allow cars and bikes to travel the entire length of the Mall.
  • Security and safety will improve thanks to better lighting, more surveillance cameras and new see-through shelters.
  • Improvements to the Burnside intersections at 5th and 6th avenues will enhance traffic flow on these two streets.
  • Four new auto pullouts along in the Central Mall area (Burnside-Salmon) will provide easy access for deliveries and passenger loading/unloading.

Watch project overview video

Transit service and stations

TriMet buses and MAX Light Rail will serve the Mall using two dedicated transit lanes: a travel lane (center lane) and a boarding lane (right lane).

MAX and buses will both stop on the right-hand side of the street, making it easier and safer for riders to transfer.

MAX stations will be located every 4-5 blocks along the Mall, but not on the same blocks as bus stops.

MAX Light Rail service

  • Frequency: MAX trains serving the Mall will run every five minutes throughout the day. Trains will loop the Mall, ensuring MAX is always within sight during most of the day.
  • Travel time to/from Clackamas: Riders will be able to travel from Clackamas Town Center to Gateway in 15 minutes or reach Pioneer Courthouse Square in 39 minutes. Learn more about MAX along I-205 to Clackamas (trimet.org)
  • Fares: Fares for MAX on the new Mall and I-205 line will be the same as regular TriMet fares.
  • Projected ridership: Studies predict the new MAX line will be highly used–approximately 46,500 daily boardings by 2025. Of those riders, 84 percent are expected to start and/or end their trip within the I-205 corridor.
  • Sleek new MAX trains with more seats: Starting in fall 2008, TriMet will unveil new MAX train cars with more seats and a sleek new look.

Bus service

When buses return to the Mall in spring 2009, riders will notice better wayfinding signage, stop groupings and rider information—making it easier to find the right bus stop.

Transit shelter features

  • Better visibility: Transit shelters will face the storefront, with an open design and glass roofs to improve visibility for riders, security staff and surveillance cameras.
  • Comfort: Certain shelters will have wind screens for passenger comfort.
  • Ticket machines: TriMet Ticket machines will be located at all MAX stations.
  • Rider information: All shelters will feature TriMet's TransitTracker™: electronic displays that show real-time arrival information for buses and MAX.
  • Lighting: All shelters will feature bright, low-glare, energy-efficient interior lighting.
Separate lanes and signals for safe and efficient operation

Buses will share the two transit lanes with MAX, changing lanes only at signalized intersections.

Illustration showing how MAX and buses will operate on the Mall Illustration showing how MAX and buses will operate on the Mall

When MAX is leaving a station, buses and cars will be stopped at a red light.

Once MAX has left the station, cars will get a green light to proceed in the auto lane while buses proceed in the transit lane behind MAX.

Watch video simulation of MAX on the Mall in '09

Continuous lane for autos and bikes

The new Mall will extend the current auto lane from 51 to 57 blocks, and will be opened to bicycles.

Currently, six blocks do not have auto/bike access, requiring cars and bikes to turn off the Mall. It can be confusing, and many enter the "bus only" lane to go the additional block. Adding these six blocks to the Mall will create a continuous auto/bike travel lane the entire length of the Mall.

New auto pull-outs

Two new auto pull-outs on the west side of 6th Avenue between Alder and Washington streets and between Oak and Pine streets will allow business delivery services and quick customer access.

Bike access and amenities

The new design provides bike access along the entire length of the Mall:

  • In the Central and North malls, cyclists will share a general-purpose lane with autos and trucks. In the South Mall, the design includes two general-purpose lanes alongside two transit lanes. We are currently reviewing several options to add designated bike paths in the South Mall that provide sufficient safety for cyclists as they cross MAX, bus and Streetcar service.
  • In addition, we are proposing to expand bike services downtown by introducing a bike station, which provides safe storage and maintenance support to downtown cyclists. This proposal requires private investment in addition to the public support of TriMet and the City of Portland.

Pedestrian access and safety

Pedestrian and transit rider safety was a paramount concern in the new Mall design:

  • With all transit concentrated on the right side of the Mall streets, transfers between buses and MAX will be more convenient for riders. New, easy-to-follow signs will clearly indicate the location of bus stops and station platforms. With a single MAX station or bus stop per block, transit access will be much easier. We expect this simpler design and operation will minimize confusion and contribute to a safe street environment.
  • For the pedestrian traveling the length of the Mall, the sidewalk through-zones will remain the same as today.
  • Countdown signals will be added to all intersections to assist pedestrians crossing the street. Where necessary, flashing "train warning" signs may be installed overhead as well.
  • Prior to opening, TriMet will launch an extensive education and enforcement campaign to ensure pedestrian safety on the new Mall.

Streetscape improvements

Trees

We are pruning and replacing certain trees to allow more natural light onto the street and sidewalks. A small number of trees will need to be removed to make way for the new MAX line and auto through-lane. In all, we estimate 541 trees will remain intact, 190 trees will be removed and 111 new trees will be planted.

Public art

New works by local and regional artists will enhance the existing public art along the Mall. Watch for an expanded sculpture collection in the Central Mall and new artwork at MAX stations in the North and South mall areas.

Learn more about public art on the Mall

Lighting

Dense tree canopies and dark, enclosed bus shelters have reduced visibility along the Mall. A number of lighting improvements will help brighten up common areas and reduce unwanted behavior.

  • Tree pruning and new trees with smaller canopies will allow more natural light to shine onto the street and sidewalks.
  • Open, see-through transit shelters will improve lighting and visibility in waiting areas.
  • The Mall's historic ornamental cast-iron light poles will be adjusted to focus more light on the street and sidewalks.

Street furniture and landscaping

New street furniture and landscaping—customized to enhance the "identity" of each block—will create an interesting and welcoming atmosphere that invites passers-by to linger and enjoy the area.