The long anticipated Civic Drive MAX station, located in the heart of Gresham's Civic Neighborhood, officially opens Wednesday, Dec. 1, with an on-site ceremony starting at 1 p.m.
But don't count on a direct-to-station trip on the Blue Line if you plan on attending.
TriMet's MAX Blue Line trains began two weeks of testing at the new Civic Drive station in mid-November. The trains briefly stop at the station, simulating revenue service, but no passengers are able to board or exit the train. Trains will begin serving the station immediately after its official opening.
Anyone planning on attending the ceremony can get off one stop past Civic Drive station at the Gresham City Hall station and walk back to Civic Drive. The City Hall stop is located at the northwest corner of Eastman Parkway and Division.
Since 1997, the station has been part of a larger vision for developing the Civic Drive neighborhood into a vibrant, transit- and pedestrian-friendly area. TriMet and Metro committed to building the future station once there was enough development and density in the neighborhood to support it. The station was funded by Metro and the Federal Transit Administration and is the 85th station along the MAX system.
Transit-oriented development, like the Civic Drive neighborhood, helps support the region's six desired outcomes by creating vibrant communities and safe and reliable transportation choices that enhance the quality of life for residents of the region.