Details on the Portland Region's Proposed $2.7 Billion Light Rail Line

The Southwest Corridor light rail project has a preferred alternative route, but there's still a lot of work to do before the ambitious project can begin construction, much less begin shuttling riders between Portland and Bridgeport Village.

1 minute read

June 24, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


TriMet's proposed light rail extension through Southwest Portland to Bridgeport Village in Washington County presents a new kind of design and engineering challenge, according to a recent article by Andrew Theen.

"The estimated $2.7 billion light rail line would transform a swath of Southwest Portland and the Tigard/Tualatin area. The trip between Bridgeport Village and Portland State University's southernmost station is projected to take 30 minutes," according to Theen.

Leah Robbins, TriMet project director, is quoted in the article with these words to describe the challenge compared to earlier light rail projects in the region: "Everything is bigger."

The size of that project also means complexity, as 13 stations are positioned around undulating and occasionally meandering terrain and between neighborhoods ranging from suburban industrial, residential, and railroad oriented.

Theen took a tour of the potential route and surrounding areas to report in detail on how the project could look if and when it receives funding.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in The Oregonian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

4 hours ago - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

5 hours ago - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

6 hours ago - Ohio Capital Journal