Steel Bridge Transit Improvements and Track Rehabilitation

The Steel Bridge Transit Improvements and Track Rehabilitation project revitalizes TriMet’s light rail system to ensure safe, reliable, and long-lasting service. Portland’s transit system has a long history, and ongoing investment in track and bridge infrastructure is critical to maintaining high-capacity operations.  

Conducted under a CM/GC delivery method, the project addressed worn turnouts, curved tracks, signal components, and crossing panels across the system. A major task order focused on the historic Steel Bridge, a vertical lift bridge over the Willamette River that also carries Union Pacific Railroad freight traffic, which required extensive rehabilitation due to its age and heavy use.  

All work was completed during scheduled bridge closures, non-revenue service hours, or coordinated shutdown windows to minimize impacts on service.

Work 

The project was executed as a five-year task order-based contract, rehabilitating approximately 1.25 miles of track across TriMet’s light rail system.  

The work included replacement of worn rail, special trackwork, and crossing panels, with a significant focus on the historic Steel Bridge, a vertical lift bridge over the Willamette River that also carries Union Pacific Railroad freight traffic.  

On the Steel Bridge, the team replaced 4,000 feet of 36-year-old rail and special track elements, installed two 59R2 50m turnouts and one diamond, two 115-lb No. 6 turnouts and one diamond, 18 insulated joints, 14 expansion rails, four pairs of 59R2 to 115-lb transition rails, eight pairs of new lift joints, and 12 new track drains.  

Structural repairs were performed under the trackway, with all bridge work completed during a month-long closure. Additional work across the system was completed during revenue service when possible, during non-revenue service hours, or within coordinated shutdown windows of light rail service. 

Impact 

The project enhanced the reliability, capacity, and safety of TriMet’s light rail system, ensuring the historic Steel Bridge continues to serve both commuter and freight rail traffic. By replacing worn rail and improving track infrastructure, the project extended the useful life of the system while maintaining uninterrupted service for the traveling public. 

Collaboration 

The team worked closely with the owner to ensure seamless project delivery. They navigated a tight bridge shutdown schedule, unexpected design adjustments, and a minor wiring issue, resolving each challenge efficiently and professionally. 

Innovations 

• - Front-loaded the construction schedule with labor to identify and address potential issues early. 
• 
  
• - Coordinated complex track and signal work on a 100-year-old vertical lift bridge while maintaining service and safety. 
• 
  
• - Managed installation of specialized track elements, including multiple turnouts, diamonds, expansion and transition rails, lift joints, and track drains, under constrained conditions. 
• 
  
• - Executed structural repairs concurrently with track rehabilitation to optimize schedule efficiency.