TriMet will shut down the only elevator at the Northeast 60th Avenue MAX station on Thursday, the first move in a $22 million project that will lead to 19 new or upgraded elevators at transit stations during the next few years.

Elevators from the street to some older light-rail platforms in the tri-county system need repairs or replacement, TriMet said. The plan calls for tackling three to five a year. Only one elevator will be closed at a time to minimize the burden for commuters who can't navigate stairs.

The transit agency said closures could last from 12 to 14 weeks, and TriMet is trying to reach elevator-dependent riders ahead of time to figure out alternate transportation or routes.

Signs are already up at the 60th Avenue station, and TriMet is trying to spread the word.

"Since the elevator at some stations is the only way to get between the platform and street level other than the stairs, those riders reliant on the elevator will have to adjust their trips and use another station during the work," TriMet said in a statement. "We apologize to those riders as we know the challenges that may create."

The 60th Avenue elevator has been operational since the MAX Blue Line started in 1986. More than 1,500 riders use that station on an average weekday.

TriMet will also close elevators at the Northeast 82nd Avenue and Hollywood Transit Center later this year.

Transportation officials are operating a phone line seven days a week between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at 503-238-RIDE (7433) to answer questions about elevator closures. Users can also reach customer service officials on Twitter at @trimethelp or online at trimet.org/contact. Users can also sign up for email updates on elevator projects at this link.

-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen