Beat the Traffic During 5-Week I-5 Closure
TriMet’s MAX Can Help Riders Avoid Road Congestion
No one enjoys scrunching over the steering wheel in bumper-to-bumper gridlock, wondering how much longer they’re going to have to pump the brake more than the gas. It’s times like these, as traffic grinds to a standstill, when TriMet helps you beat the backup and keeps you moving.
Starting Friday, Sept. 11, as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) begins its weeks-long closure of southbound Interstate 5 as part of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, TriMet’s MAX trains will be the best option to avoid the closure and the expected traffic nightmare. MAX trains run on their own restricted right-of-way and don’t share the track with other vehicles. There are places where autos cross the tracks, but for the most part, trains can keep moving even when nearby roads are clogged with traffic.
The I-5 alternative: MAX Yellow Line
The MAX Yellow Line will likely be the best choice for those traveling between the Vancouver area and Downtown Portland. It runs parallel to I-5, with Park & Rides at Expo Center and Delta Park/Vanport to make it easy to connect with trains. Yellow Line trains arrive every 15 minutes or sooner throughout most of the day. Get Park & Ride details below.
A typical trip on the MAX Yellow Line from the Expo Center to Downtown Portland takes about 30 minutes.
The I-205 or I-84 alternative: MAX Blue and Red lines
During ODOT’s closure, southbound I-5 traffic will be redirected onto Interstate 405. Heavier-than-usual traffic is expected on the portions of I-5 that remain open, as well as on Interstate 205, I-405 and surface streets, especially those that run parallel to I-5.
MAX Blue and Red lines are also options for those traveling into Downtown Portland from Vancouver or elsewhere. Red Line trains are an alternative to driving on I-205, as they depart the Park Rose/Sumner Transit Center every 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Blue and Red Line trains move riders past I-84 traffic, with trains departing the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center every seven to eight minutes. Get Park & Ride details below.
The southeast alternative: MAX Orange Line
MAX Orange Line is an option for those who normally start their drive from south of Portland and travel to Vancouver. Two Park & Rides are located at the southern end of the Orange Line, at the SE Park Ave. and SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek MAX stations. Trains arrive every 15 minutes and become MAX Yellow Line trains as they travel north toward Delta Park/Vanport, where riders can transfer to C-TRAN buses to Vancouver. Get Park & Ride details below.
Plan for possible bus delays
Because TriMet buses rely on surface roads, they may experience delays. In North and Northeast Portland, several bus lines may be vulnerable to traffic redirected from I-5. These include:
Congestion could also slow other routes near I-84 and I-205. Consider taking a train instead if MAX can get you to where you’re going. MAX operates largely on its own right-of-way, allowing trains to avoid much of the congestion on area roads.
TriMet encourages riders to start planning now by going to trimet.org.
