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The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) and city of Portland are using $1.6 million in federal stimulus dollars to repair bricks at 20 intersections in the agency’s Morrison and Yamhill light-rail corridors.

The corridors have experienced “significant wear and tear” and have not had major repairs since TriMet installed tracks 25 years ago, agency officials said in a prepared statement. Contractor Stacy and Witbeck/Kiewet Pacific Inc. began work on Monday and expects to complete the project in October.

TriMet has obtained $53.3 million in stimulus funds to repair various infrastructure. Since May, the agency has started or completed eight of 31 planned projects.

Meanwhile, TriMet’s board recently approved a plan to change Fareless Square to rail only. The change takes effect on Jan. 3, 2010.

A fare-free area, Fareless Square encompasses most of downtown Portland and includes several MAX rail stations and bus stops. TriMet implemented Fareless Square 34 years as a bus-only service.

Now, nearly all trips within Fareless Square can be accommodated on rail, TriMet officials said in a statement. The change would eliminate fare conflicts and make transit services in downtown less confusing because not all buses travel the length of the mall, according to the agency.