I-205 Light Rail Extension

This $181-million project expanded TriMet’s light rail system with 6.5 miles of double track along the I-205 freeway. Our team led civil systems integration and testing, delivering infrastructure, track, and systems from earthwork and installation through testing and startup. 

Need 

TriMet needed to extend light rail service along the I-205 corridor to expand transit access for the surrounding communities. The alignment required a design-build approach capable of coordinating track, structures, stations, and systems work along an active freeway while meeting TriMet's budget and schedule goals. 

Work 

• Built two at-grade crossings and eight stations 
• Erected nine light rail bridges and constructed a cut-and-cover box tunnel 
• Relocated utilities throughout the corridor 
• Built sound walls along the alignment and placed 300,000 sq. ft of retaining wall 
• Constructed four park-and-ride facilities 
• Installed overhead catenary system, signals, and communications systems 
• Integrated public art into the project  

Impact  

The new light rail system connected Gateway Transit Center to Clackamas Town Center gave commuters a direct rail link into downtown Portland and the rest of the MAX system.  

Innovations   

• Developed and utilized a modern design to protect a large-diameter waterline during construction.
• Planned detailed traffic control for setting bridge girders on day and night shifts across ODOT highways, local thoroughfares, and the I-205 freeway.  

Awards 

• 2010 American Road and Transportation Builders Association Pride Award 
• 2010 Construction Industry Crime Prevention Program of the Pacific Northwest Partnership Award 
• 2010 Design-Build Institute of America National Design Build Award