Portland Mall Fun Fact: Turning On New Traffic Signals

With cars, buses and MAX trains expected to travel along and across the Portland Mall when it opens in fall of 2009, traffic and train signals will have an important role to play.

That’s why TriMet and its partners are taking great care to ensure every signaled intersection functions properly.

In February 2008, Tice Electric Company began electrification of the 58 intersections that MAX trains will cross along the Portland Mall.

One intersection takes a week to electrify, as each signal facing the four approaches to the intersection must be turned on. Each intersection’s signal electrical system must then be inspected and approved by both city and state inspectors.

Starting at the North Terminus of the Mall (near Union Station), one intersection a week is being turned on along 5th Avenue. When the process reaches the South Terminus at SW Jackson Street, it will turn north and begin electrifying intersections along 6th Avenue.

It’s a careful, important process meant to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and TriMet riders safe.

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