Portland's MAX (Metropolitan Air Express) light rail system recently constructed its fifth line, the 8.3 mile extension that connects Clackamas Town Center to Portland State University.

TriMet, the public agency which operates the light rail network, used an iBEAM OnSite live PTZ construction camera to provide information to the general public and to document the construction process. TriMet allowed the public to view live construction and a time-lapse movie at their web site.

“The iBEAM camera is a unique way to provide up-to-date information to folks interested in the construction of the new light rail project,” said Diane Goodwin, Manager of Project Communication. “It has been extremely well received.”

Early in the project, the camera was located in the heart of downtown Portland overlooking Pioneer Courthouse Square, referred to as the city's “living room”. During Portland's construction moratorium period (between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day), TriMet made the iBEAM camera available to the Square so that citizens could watch the lighting of the Holiday Tree and other activities, including the city's New Year's Eve celebration.

When construction resumed the camera was relocated with a view of the next phase. TriMet made use of iBEAM’s cellular communication package for OnSite cameras to make relocating the camera fast and easy.