Portland officials have reached a major legal resolution in a years-long dispute over flawed construction at a Central Eastside streetcar platform. The city approved a $7.5 million settlement with TriMet and California-based contractor Stacy Witbeck after significant structural issues surfaced at the site.
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The agreement, passed unanimously in a 9-0 City Council vote on Wednesday, closes out a lawsuit the city filed more than three years ago. Portland had originally sought $10 million in damages for the repairs it deemed necessary to restore the platform near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).
The project dates back to 2012, when Portland enlisted TriMet to manage improvements to the Portland Streetcar platform as part of a larger initiative to build a complete streetcar loop around downtown — a plan that ultimately included access over the Tilikum Crossing Bridge.
According to the lawsuit, TriMet’s selected builder, Stacy Witbeck, failed to properly execute the platform work, resulting in long-term complications. By 2015, a city-commissioned engineer uncovered serious defects, including cracked walls and hollow, unsupported areas beneath the structure that required infill to prevent further deterioration.
City attorneys accused the defendants of negligence and breach of contract, arguing Portland taxpayers shouldn’t be responsible for the expensive remediation.
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In a statement, a TriMet spokesperson emphasized that the agency remains committed to cooperation with city leaders despite the legal dispute:
the agency “appreciates our partnership with the city of Portland in providing valuable public transportation services to our region.”
TriMet also confirmed that its insurance provider will pay the settlement, ensuring that the cost does not impact general funds or transit payroll tax revenues. Stacy Witbeck did not issue a comment.
The city has spent years working to ensure the platform remains safe and functional, and officials described the settlement as a step forward in protecting public assets while preventing similar issues on future infrastructure projects. The case has also highlighted the need for improved oversight when coordinating between multiple agencies and contractors on major transportation upgrades.
Not all council members were present for the vote — Candace Avalos, Sameer Kanal and Tiffany Koyama Lane were absent — but the decision was met with full approval from those in attendance.
With Portland continuing efforts to expand transit connectivity, the settlement is expected to ease financial pressure as the city focuses on new mobility improvements and streetcar modernization initiatives.
Originally reported by Shane Dixon Kavanaugh | The Oregonian/OregonLive
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