The Twin Cities METRO Blue and Green light rail lines are preparing to welcome riders back after months of construction.
Following over 50 days of summer closures that relied on replacement buses to carry up to 10,000 daily passengers, Metro Transit's Drew Kerr says commuters should expect to see upgraded tracks, new digital signage, and platform safety barriers when full rail operations resume Thursday morning.
"Overall, it was at a point after 22 years, where we needed to take a big bite of the apple here this year and take the time needed to get it into shape for the next 22-plus years," he explains.
Kerr says the reopening comes ahead of the third and final phase of construction scheduled for 2027.
The substitute buses ran for over seven weeks as part of the largest project on the light rail since it was originally built. Kerr says the long closure for repairs was necessary after over two decades of wear and tear.
"This was a very big project," Kerr adds. "It's actually the second phase of a three-year project, so we do have more construction coming in 2027 that people should be mindful of. We had construction last year. We learned a lot through that experience. We learned a lot throughout this experience. We're always listening to riders."
Speaking of those riders, Kerry adds they should also expect more reliable commute times and new safety features on future rides.
The trains return just in time for the start of the Minnesota Viking home season. They play a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium this Saturday. The Blue Line also restores service to two major destinations in the Twin Cities, MSP International Airport and the Mall of America.
As for the long awaited and controversial Green Line extension, otherwise known as the Southwest Light Rail between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, it is still on track for a 2027 opening. Construction is now nearly complete, with all 16 stations under construction or nearly complete, and all of the LRT track in place. A specific opening date will be provided at some point this fall.
That project, decades in the planning stages and nearly a decade under construction, has faced numerous challenges, including major budget increases, and timeline extensions.
