Light Rail Alignment Discussion Schedule

Light rail planning has reached an important juncture. Metro is about to begin a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Study on Phase II of the South Corridor light rail from Portland to Milwaukie. Three alignment possibilities for the Milwaukie segment have been recommended for further study. They are: 

• The 2003 “Locally Preferred Alternative” (LPA) which utilizes Main Street from Tacoma to Milport, crossing over to the Tillamook Branch between Mailwell and Hanna Harvester, terminating at Lake Road. 
• The same alignment, but terminating at Park Avenue (using the west side of McLoughlin for the last half mile) 
• The 2004 Milwaukie Working Group Recommended alignment, which follows the Tillamook Branch beginning at Tacoma, terminating at Park Avenue (rather than at Kellogg Lake as originally proposed by the Working Group) 

All of these alignment options follow the Tillamook Rail line from 224 to Lake Rd, through downtown Milwaukie. 

In recent weeks, a number of citizens have requested that a fourth option be added to the SDEIS: an alignment that would enter downtown via Main Street or McLoughlin Boulevard as opposed to following the Tillamook Branch. 

Mayor Bernard has asked the community to consider this alternative so he can see if there is community consensus for including it in the study. He has asked that the Riverfront Board, the Planning Commission, the Downtown Businesses and the North Industrial Businesses provide him with their input on the McLoughlin/Main alignment. Neighborhoods and interested parties are encouraged to attend the June 12 Planning Commission hearing to give testimony on this option.

Public Meeting Schedule:

• Riverfront Board meeting June 4, 6:00 pm, City Hall Conference Room 
• Briefing for Milwaukie Businesses, June 5, Milwaukie Masonic Lodge, 10636 SE Main Street
  • Session 1. North Industrial Area (1.30 to 3.00 pm) 
  • Session 2. Downtown Area (3.00 to 4.30 pm) 
• Planning Commission June 12, 6:00 pm, City Hall Council Chambers 

(If necessary, an additional Planning Commission hearing will be held on June 14 at 6:00 pm at City Hall to take additional testimony.)

The next South Corridor Phase II Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for June 19th at noon at Metro.

For a series of FAQ sheets detailing various aspects of the Milwaukie to Portland Light Rail project, please refer to the following documents:

• FAQ regarding public involvement. 
• FAQ regarding design and operations. 
• FAQ regarding project goals. 
• FAQ regarding project history.