DEBATE OF AT-GRADE VERSUS GRADE SEPARATION CONSTRUCTION: INTERSTATE MAX PROJECT, PORTLAND, OREGON

The 5.8-mi Interstate MAX Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, extending from the Rose Quarter due north to the Expo Center, is currently under construction and is targeted to open for service in September 2004. As part of the former South/North Corridor Study Project, a draft environmental impact statement for the project was completed in 1998. The final environmental impact statement along with preliminary engineering was completed for the Interstate MAX as an independent project in 1999. The majority of the Interstate MAX alignment is designed and built with ballasted track within the existing right-of-way along the middle of North Interstate Avenue. The alignment starts to divert from the main roadway at Argyle Street, the beginning of the Expo Segment. The Expo Segment crosses major roadways including Columbia Boulevard, Union Pacific Railroad, Schmeer Road, Highway 99W, and Victory Boulevard, as well as the Columbia Slough, a tributary of the Willamette River. During the last 40% of the final design, there was much controversy regarding the vertical LRT alignment crossing Schmeer Road and Victory Boulevard, the crossing of Highway 99W, and the Highway 99W southbound to Victory off ramp. This paper discusses at-grade versus grade separation options through analyzing the special crossing situations, the selection process perspective, LRT operations, and project aesthetics and economy. A comprehensive analysis of all project elements ultimately favored grade separation with aerial structures from Columbia Boulevard until north of Victory Boulevard. The alignment evaluation and decision making process provide valuable experience to future planning and design of similar facilities.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec058/ec058.pdf
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• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00978515
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
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  Transportation Research Board

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• Authors:
  • Li, G H
  • Tertadian, D
• Conference:
  • Experience, Economics, and Evolution--From Starter Lines to Growing Systems. 9th National Light Rail Transit Conference
  • Location: Portland, Oregon
  • Date: 2003-11-16 to 2003-11-18
• Publication Date: 2003-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 459-469
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Circular
  • Issue Number: E-C058
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0097-8515

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Alignment; At grade intersections; Decision making; Economics; Environmental impact statements; Grade separations; Light rail transit; Planning and design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballasted track
• Geographic Terms: Portland (Oregon)
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Highways; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00972175
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: E-C058
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Apr 6 2004 12:00AM