Steel Bridge train derailment causes wave of MAX line delays

John Ross Ferrara
·2 min read

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A freight train derailment on the east end Steel Bridge is causing sweeping MAX-line delays around Portland Monday morning.

Steel Bridge was closed to all traffic for serval hours following the derailment as officials inspected the bridge for damage. Both layers of the bridge were reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at approximately 10:30 a.m. However, Trimet spokesperson told KOIN 6 that MAX lines remain disrupted.

TriMet’s service map shows that shuttle buses are currently running in the area to help passengers navigate the busy Rose Quarter intersection while MAX lines are disrupted.

There is no official time estimate for the ongoing MAX delays.

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“All MAX lines are disrupted due to the closure of the Steel Bridge by Union Pacific Railroad,” York said. “Bus lines that cross the Steel Bridge have been detoured to other bridges. Delay times could vary, so I do not have an estimate, but we ask riders to please prepare for delays and check trimet.org/alerts for the very latest service information … We thank riders for their patience as we work with Union Pacific and other partners to restore [service] as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

<em>MAX trains wait at the foot of Steel Bridge as service was disrupted Monday morning due to a derailed freight train. (KOIN 6)</em>
MAX trains wait at the foot of Steel Bridge as service was disrupted Monday morning due to a derailed freight train. (KOIN 6)

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Steel Bridge was initially shut down at approximately 6:14 a.m. after two empty train cars derailed and hit the bridge’s structural support column, Portland Fire and Rescue said. Union Pacific Railroad, which owns and operates Steel Bridge, told KOIN 6 News that approximately five train cars were involved in the derailment.

“Crews on scene of a reported train derailment on [the] east end of Steel Bridge, two cars fully derailed, one train car is leaning against [the] bridge’s structural support column,” PF&R wrote on social media. “[The] bridge has been shut down and is now completely closed to all train, vehicle, [and] pedestrian traffic.”

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Amtrak spokesperson Kelly Just told KOIN 6 News that Amtrak service is not disrupted by the derailment. An Amtrak train was seen crossing Steel Bridge shortly before the was fully reopened at 10:30 a.m.

KOIN 6 will continue to provide the latest information on the derailment as the story develops.

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