Shuttle buses will replace MAX Yellow Line trains in North Portland for a full week starting Sunday, Oct. 25, as TriMet crews install rail upgrades to reduce heat-related delays.
The disruption affects service between Interstate/Rose Quarter and Expo Center through Saturday, Oct. 31, according to TriMet's announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Regular Yellow Line service is scheduled to resume Sunday, Nov. 1.
Riders should plan for up to 30 extra minutes per trip. Shuttle buses will run about every 15 minutes.
What's getting fixed
Crews will work at three locations along the Yellow Line to install "expansion joints," hardware that lets steel rail expand and contract in extreme heat without buckling. The problem has a name in the rail industry: "sun kinks." Steel rail expands under excessive heat and can become wavy, leading to delays.
TriMet spokesperson Tyler Graf wrote that the work will also include deep cleaning the right-of-way to remove sand and other debris from the tracks. Completing the project during cooler fall months, the agency said, will reduce the chance of weather-related delays and emergency repairs during future heat events.
Yellow Line south of Rose Quarter stays running
The Yellow Line will keep its regular schedule west of Interstate/Rose Quarter, along 6th Avenue in Northwest and Southwest Portland. MAX Blue, Green, Orange and Red lines are not affected.
How to ride the shuttles
Shuttle bus stops will sit across from MAX stations in most cases, sharing locations and stop IDs with TriMet's Line 293-Yellow Bus. One exception: a temporary northbound stop will be added near Interstate/Rose Quarter that does not match a Line 293 location.
TriMet urged riders to scout shuttle stop locations before Oct. 25. The agency's project page has maps and details.
Why now
The Yellow Line saw heavy use during a recent southbound I-5 closure in the Rose Quarter area, serving as an alternative route for four weeks while the Oregon Department of Transportation shut down lanes for construction. TriMet noted the line's importance to commuters in announcing the maintenance window.
