Expect MAX Travel Disruptions In Hillsboro Through Oct. 27

HILLSBORO, OR — TriMet MAX riders in Hillsboro will need to plan ahead for disruptions to service between downtown and the Washington County Fair Complex for two weeks beginning this weekend, as TriMet crews make improvements along roughly three miles of MAX tracks. The disruptions will last for about two weeks.

Beginning this Saturday, Oct. 13, TriMet shuttles will take over transporting riders from the five MAX stops between the Mark O. Hatfield Government Center MAX stop on Southwest Adams Avenue and the Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport MAX Station off Northeast Veterans Drive. Because the shuttles will use Hillsboro's streets rather than the direct MAX line, riders should expect 8 to 15-minute delays to their regular trip.

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According to TriMet spokesman Tim Becker, the shuttles will pick up riders as close to the MAX rail stops as possible. For those shuttles that can't pull right up to the MAX stop, signage posted at the stops will direct riders to the temporary locations for pickup. Becker said 75 signs were posted last week at the five affected MAX stops to give riders plenty of time to plan ahead.

The shuttle bus drivers will try to keep their schedule as close as possible with the timing of the regular MAX route. Additionally, parking needs at the Fair Complex station are reportedly expected to increase during this construction period. Riders are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly.

The disruption will continue through Oct. 27.

Work to improve Hillsboro's MAX lines began Sept. 17. The work, TriMet officials said, will see crews "revitalize the MAX system through Downtown Hillsboro, replacing rail, upgrading track materials, installing new switch machines and sprucing up stations."

During the construction period, sections of track will be replaced, five switches will be upgraded to ensure improved resiliency in cold weather, signaling systems will be improved, and four stations will be cleaned and upgraded.

For more details on the specific upgrades and improvements, visit TriMet.org/Hillsboro.

Images via TriMet