Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, is a landmark 1,720‑foot cable‑stayed bridge that expands mass transit capacity across the Willamette River and supports one of Portland’s fastest‑growing travel corridors. By 2030, the 7.3‑mile corridor between Portland State University and Clackamas County is expected to serve one million new residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. As part of a major initiative to improve transit reliability and multimodal access, STV provided final trackwork design for the bridge, delivering a system that allows light rail, buses, pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely without private vehicles.
What challenges did STV address?
Tilikum Crossing is the first major U.S. bridge designed to exclude private cars, requiring a track system that supports rail operations while maintaining safe separation between transit users, pedestrians and cyclists. The cable‑stayed structure also required a track solution that could adapt to complex bridge movements, including longitudinal, transverse and vertical displacements caused by temperature changes and dynamic loads.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV developed an ultra‑thin embedded track system that met strict weight and geometric constraints and designed special rail expansion joints that accommodate multidirectional bridge movements. The team delivered final trackwork design for the 1,720‑foot bridge, integrating the system seamlessly with TriMet’s MAX Orange Line. The design supports efficient light rail operations while ensuring safe shared use by buses, pedestrians and cyclists.
How does this project benefit the community?
Tilikum Crossing strengthens regional transit capacity, reduces congestion, promotes sustainable travel and creates a signature connection between downtown Portland and the city’s eastside communities. Its shared‑use design supports safe, accessible and environmentally friendly mobility options.
Key stats and accolades
- First major U.S. bridge closed to private vehicles
- First Willamette River span built since 1973
- 1,720‑foot‑long cable‑stayed bridge
- 3.5 miles of cable
