The New Portland Transit Mall
Big changes on 5th and 6th avenues downtown
Over the last two years, the Portland Mall (also known as the "transit mall") has been undergoing major renovations. While we were laying tracks and building stations for MAX Green Line, we made a number of improvements along 5th and 6th avenues.
Renovated streets, sidewalks and storefronts, along with new brick intersections, street furniture and landscaping, help create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. - New signs and convenient stop groupings make it easy to find your stop or station.
- Redesigned bus and MAX shelters have better visibility and better lighting for safety, and feature real-time arrival information displays. Note: Shelter roofs have been installed and crews are now putting seats and windscreens in place.
- All bus stops and MAX stations are located on the right-hand side of the street, so transfers are safe and convenient for riders.
- Countdown signals at crosswalks make the Mall safer for pedestrians.
- Security cameras monitor shelters and station areas.
- Cars and bikes can now travel the entire length of the Mall in the left-hand traffic lane, while buses and MAX trains use the dedicated transit lanes on the right. Cars and bikes are not allowed in the transit lanes, and right turns are not allowed from 5th and 6th avenues, except where indicated.
- Four auto pullouts provide access for deliveries and passenger loading/unloading.
- More bike parking has been added on 5th and 6th avenues and on adjacent blocks, including several covered "bike oases." Learn more about bike parking on the Mall
- A new bike lane on 5th Avenue south of Jefferson improves safety for cyclists.
- Signals are timed for traffic moving at about 12 miles per hour, so bikes and cars travel at the same comfortable speed.
Trees were pruned or replaced to allow more natural light onto the street and sidewalks. - New works by local and regional artists have been installed to enhance the existing public art collection along the Mall.
Portland Transit Mall Service Map
Effective September 12, 2009
Download: PDF (112 KB) | GIF (141 KB)
