In news that's certain to make Clackastani rail opponents simmer hotter than an iron track in August, TriMet on Thursday announced the opening date for the $1.49 billion Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail line will be Sept. 12, 2015.

Oregon's largest transit agency also said that the 7.3-mile Orange Line, including the nation's largest car-free bridge over the Willamette River, is now halfway complete.

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A "50 Percent Complete" event in downtown Portland not only drew TriMet officials but members of the Oregon Legislature, Metro's leadership, the Portland City Council and the Clackamas County Commission and representatives of Oregon's congressional delegation and Oregon Health & Sciences University.

TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane said the project has created 6,800 direct and indirect jobs.

Over the past several years, a vocal group of Clackamas County light rail opponents have tried various strategies to stop the project from crossing the Multnomah County line. Wednesday's event appeared to put the final stake in any remaining belief that the plug can be pulled on the region's fifth MAX line.

The line will extend from Green and Yellow line terminus at Portland State University in Downtown Portland to South Waterfront, SE Portland, Milwaukie and North Clackamas County. A few more facts about the project:

10 stations

Expands the MAX system to 60 miles and 97 stations

TriMet describes the bridge as "the first of its kind multi-modal bridge will carry light rail, buses, bikes, pedestrians and a future Portland Streetcar extension over the Willamette River, but no private vehicles." Hmmm. Legally, bicycles are private vehicles. Less bureaucra-speak please.

-- Joseph Rose