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Portland to accept $7.5 million settlement for streetcar approach ramp repairs
Summary
Council authorized the city attorney to settle a lawsuit over construction of an on‑grade streetcar approach ramp and accept a $7.5 million lump‑sum payment earmarked for repairs; TriMet will provide additional in‑kind technical and service assistance.
Portland City Council approved a settlement on Oct. 29 to resolve claims related to the construction and subsequent deterioration of an on‑grade approach ramp that connects the streetcar platform at Southeast Second Avenue to the viaduct.
Senior Deputy City Attorney Beth Woodard told council the settlement resolves the city’s claims against TriMet and contractor Stacy and Witbeck Inc. Terms reported by staff include a $7,500,000 lump‑sum payment to the city earmarked for repairs to the approach structure, and additional in‑kind assistance from TriMet such as technical assistance and bus bridging during repairs performed concurrent with TriMet planned improvements in the area.
Woodard said a geotechnical monitoring program (2015–2021) identified settlement at the structure and provided preliminary repair estimates to achieve the original 75‑year design life. The city filed suit in March 2022 seeking damages related to the second phase of design and construction of the structure; the parties negotiated the present settlement to avoid continued litigation.
No members of the public signed up to testify. Council approved the settlement; staff reported the ordinance passed with nine yes votes.
The city attorney’s office and the Portland Bureau of Transportation recommended approval so the bureau can use settlement funds specifically for the repair work described in the settlement agreement.
