The Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project

The Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project is an expansion of the MAX light rail system into Southwest Portland, Tigard and Tualatin. Not only will the project add 11 miles of light rail track and 13 stations to the system, it also includes new bicycle facilities, sidewalks, safer crossings, improvements to local bus service, and significant upgrades to stormwater treatment infrastructure. As a cooperative effort between regional partners, the project is seen as a catalyst to help realize broader shared goals of fostering equitable communities, ensuring healthy environments, and providing robust mobility options for all modes. Currently in the planning and environmental review process, the project expects to start early construction in 2022 with service beginning in 2027. This presentation will provide an overview of the partnerships, funding, conceptual design, and benefits of the project. It will explain the project’s guiding principles and walk through how the preliminary designs of station areas, structures, and other key corridor elements help achieve these goals.