Construction Overview

The Portland Streetcar Loop Project

The Portland Streetcar Loop Project is a 3.35-mile double-track extension of the existing Portland Streetcar which opened in July of 2001. The Portland Streetcar Loop Project will extend tracks from the Pearl District, across the Broadway Bridge, connecting via Weidler Street to Lloyd Center at NE 7th Avenue, south on MLK Blvd. to OMSI and return north on Grand Avenue to Broadway and the Pearl District. The Loop Project will provide 28 new streetcar stop locations.

Loop Project Map (PDF) Solid Aqua Line = New Loop Project Tracks

The cost estimate for the Loop Project is $148.27 million dollars with $75 million provided by the Federal Government, $15.50 million from a local improvement district, $27.68 from the Portland Development Commission, $3.62 million from regional funds, $6.11 million from SDC/other City funds and $.36 million from stimulus funds. $20 million is from State lottery funds which will pay for 6 streetcars manufactured locally by United Streetcar, LLC, a subsidiary from Oregon Iron Works.

Construction broke ground in August, 2009 with substantial completion projected for early 2012. Streetcar operations of the Loop will commence September 21, 2012. Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. were selected as the Construction Manager/General Contractor for the project. They are currently completing punch list work as well as testing the track and electrical systems.

Streetcar Planning Goals:

• Link neighborhoods with a convenient and attractive transportation alternative.
• Fit the scale and traffic patterns of existing neighborhoods.
• Provide quality service to attract new transit ridership.
• Reduce short inner-city auto trips, parking demand, traffic congestion and air pollution.
• Encourage development of more housing and businesses in the Central City.