Trimet Celebrates Opening Of The New Max Orange Line With An Inaugural Ride
TriMet opened the Portland to Milwaukie light rail line (MAX Orange line) on September 12, on schedule and under budget. The $1.5 billion light rail line is 7.3 miles long and includes “Tilikum Crossing”, a bridge that crosses the Willamette River. The only bridge of its kind in the U.S., Tilikum Crossing is designed to carry light rail trains, buses, streetcars, bicyclists and pedestrians but no automobiles. The name Tilikum, meaning “people” or “tribe,” was unanimously chosen from about 10,000 submissions by a bridge naming committee. The Confederated Tribe of Grande Ronde participated in the opening celebration and the Inaugural Ride was attended by Governor Kate Brown, Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Therese McMillan, several Oregon U.S. representatives, state and local officials, TriMet staff and the public.
The MAX Orange Line expands transit options utilizing infrastructure advancements and superior design features. It connects neighborhoods while enhancing walking and cycling in attractive public spaces. Burns provided Project Management Oversight (PMO) services to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The project was 50% Federally funded and was completed approximately $50 million under budget. Burns is honored to be a part of this successful project.