By Kate Baldus

 

This new 14.7 mile passenger rail line will connect Beaverton and Wilsonville set to open in Fall of 2008.  This is the first commuter rail line in Oregon and one of the few suburb-to-suburb commuter rails in the country.  The process began in 1996 with initial discussions of the feasibility of a commuter line for Washington County including the suburbs of Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville, and Sherwood.  Also taking an active role in the discussions were TriMet, Metro and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

 

The best part about this project – the rail lines will use existing freight tracks so that construction impact should be minimal.  The currently plan provides for self-propelled diesel train cars to carry passengers.