TriMet Blue Line Traction Power Substation Replacements
TriMet is undertaking a multi-year replacement of 12 Traction Power Substations (TPSS) along the Blue Line, 10 in Portland and 2 in Gresham, to support long-term light rail system reliability and resiliency. Convergence is leading architectural design under STV, developing new substation structures that can meet complex electrical needs, satisfy municipal design standards, and adapt to site-specific conditions across two jurisdictions.
To streamline delivery, Convergence is designing the new structures as a flexible “kit of parts” that can be configured to meet different zoning requirements and physical site constraints. Because many of these sites fall within right-of-way and the buildings are pre-manufactured, coordination with local agencies is highly unique and customized to each site, using a “kit of parts” design we prepared one Design Advise Request, which avoided the need for a Design Review for each individual site, ultimately streamlining the process for the whole project.
Given the length of the corridor, the team has had to actively coordinate with a variety of on-going and planned projects. We coordinated schedules, permitting, and designs with each team. One of those sites was at the new skate park immediately adjacent to TriMet’s TPSS building. Convergence coordinated closely with DAO Architects, who designed the skate park.
Originally built in 1983, the substations no longer meet current NEC clearance requirements and contain aging, obsolete equipment—making this modernization critical to support safe and efficient operations for the next generation of riders.
