SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - May 24, 2019

Construction activity update for May 24, 2019

SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - May 17, 2019

SWLRT Civil Construction Update for May 17, 2019

SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Construction activity update for May 10, 2019

SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Construction activity update for May 3, 2019

SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Construction Activity Update for Friday, April 26 2019

SWLRT CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Southwest LRT construction activities are scheduled to begin throughout the corridor over the next few weeks

Commuters, business leaders and local elected officials speak out for enhanced transit

At a busy park-and-ride in the west metro, leaders say investments in transit will strengthen Twin Cities and entire state.

Governor Walz announces intention to appoint Metropolitan Council members

Under the Walz-Flanagan Administration, the Met Council will be most diverse to ever serve, reflecting a commitment to increased community engagement.

Transit lines grow ridership, investments lead the way

METRO Green Line, METRO Blue Line and A Line each set annual ridership records, while demand for Metro Mobility continues to climb.

Council chair announces leadership changes

Focus on tackling the challenges facing regional transit, housing, equity, and investments in the region's planning and infrastructure that contribute to its economic vitality and competitiveness.

Walz and Flanagan announce Met Council Nominating Committee

Applicants selected to be interviewed by the committee will testify at one of four public meetings: Jan. 29, Jan. 30, Feb. 12 or Feb. 13.

Maplewood mayor named to lead Council

Maplewood Mayor Nora Slawik, who has been involved in local and state politics, transit planning and several area nonprofits, will begin in her new role in January.

Council grants help cities plan for development around future transit lines

Nearly half a million dollars in grants will help local communities plan for development around future transit lines and for other predevelopment activities.

Federal, state and local officials break ground on Southwest LRT

After more than two decades of planning, state’s largest infrastructure project is moving into construction.

FTA announces full federal funding of Orange Line BRT

$72 million in federal funding means transit project is fully funded.

Lunda/McCrossan chosen to build Southwest LRT

Council awards civil construction contract, setting stage to break ground on Southwest LRT.

SWLRT gets critical approval from federal government to begin construction

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) cleared the path for construction to begin on the Southwest Light Rail Transit Project (SWLRT).

Metropolitan Council Chair to Step Down November 30

Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff will pursue a new professional opportunity. Vice Chair Harry Melander will assume the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence, until the end of the administration.

Metropolitan Council awards $4.5 million in grants to support affordable housing development

The grants are expected to support the creation of more than 650 housing units affordable to low- and very low-income residents and important connections to jobs and services.

Metropolitan Council launches major travel behavior survey

Thousands of households are expected to participate using smartphones — a first for the region.

Apprentice Program to help fill Metro Transit driver shortage

Metro Transit will participate in the Minnesota Apprenticeship initiative, which will bring on as many as 200 new employees in the coming years.

Council receives loan to finance wastewater treatment capital improvement projects

$45 million loan from the Minnesota Clean Water Revolving Fund will finance multiple wastewater treatment plant and interceptor sewer system capital improvement projects in 2018-2019.

New report shows population and household growth in the Twin Cities metro outpaces available housing

The Twin Cities is facing a critical housing shortage as the population increases. In addition to needing more housing supply, demographics are increasing the need for more diverse housing.

Fuhrmann leaves passenger rail legacy for generations to come

Leaders at Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council recognize Fuhrmann as the person responsible for the region’s 62 miles of passenger rail (40 miles for Northstar and 22 for LRT).

Met Council expands opportunities available to minority businesses

By expanding its criteria to include other certifications recognized by the State and other regional governments, the Council will increase the number of businesses it works with to 2,800. 

Transit leaders break ground on $25 million renovation to Mall of America transit center

Upgrades to state's busiest transit hub will provide safer, more efficient experience for thousands of daily customers

Region’s third rapid bus line approved to begin design and engineering

D Line would replace region’s highest ridership bus route; still needs $35 million to construct entire project

Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, TC&W Railroad reach agreement to advance Southwest LRT

Agreement helps clear the way to construct Minnesota’s largest public works project.

Council names new Community Development Director

Nationally recognized planner to lead work focused on regional planning, livable communities, housing and parks, and research.

Met Council, Xcel Energy work to get Council to 100% renewable energy by 2040

Xcel Energy and Council announce creation of green partnership focused on Council operating wastewater and transit systems exclusively on renewable sources of energy.

Bus operator training efforts receive national recognition

The American Public Transportation Association awarded Metro Transit with a Certificate of Merit at its Bus Safety & Security Awards. Reprint of Metro Transit's May 11 Rider's Almanac blog.

Council moves another rapid bus line closer to reality

Chair calls on State lawmakers to provide bonding money to make it and other rapid busway investments.
 

Commuter Choice Awards recognize promoters of sustainable transportation

Reprinted from Metro Transit's Rider's Almanac blog.

Metro Transit's commitment to the environment goes beyond sustainable transportation

Metro Transit is helping the state meet its clean air goals primarily by offering convenient alternatives to driving alone, providing more than 280,000 rides each weekday.

Council announces $27 million in Livable Communities funds available in 2018

Metro communities can now apply for funding to help to clean up polluted land, ensure affordable housing, stimulate development around transit, and make efficient use of land and infrastructure.

Council Chair announces Gold Line project Corridor Management Committee Membership

Local leaders, neighbors, and businesses will serve on this key advisory committees.

Minnehaha Park Area Regional Sewer Improvements Project Public Information Meeting is April 24

Project staff from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) will share information about the proposed improvements and answer questions.

Sincerity, soft touch earns officer top cop honors

Metro Transit patrol officer Tim Lawrence is also a coach at North Community High School.

C Line groundbreaking sets stage for opportunity

Representatives from the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center gathered to break ground on the region's second rapid bus line, the C Line.

Twin Cities income inequality compared to peer regions

The last of 3 Metro Stat reports on income inequality finds that income inequality is low compared to peer regions, but growing fast.

Extending Tracks Issue 19: February 2018

Metro Mobility Task Force completes work, submits report to legislature

The Task Force was created to assess the service and provide recommendations for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and identifying possible partnerships.

Community members sought for advisory role for Gold Line BRT

Community members and business owners have an important opportunity to help guide the development of the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

Poverty rate down; areas of concentrated poverty grow

Concentrated poverty is known to have a negative influence on residents' economic mobility, health, and overall well-being.

Met Council Chair urges region to choose innovation

Regional body celebrates 50th anniversary, charts course for future success.

Major step forward for long-awaited East Metro transit line

FTA gives green light for Gold Line BRT to begin project design and engineering.

Governor Dayton, Metropolitan Council announce more than $10 million in grants to stimulate economic development, expand affordable housing opportunities and leverage hundreds of millions in outside investment

Communities awarded funding include Bloomington, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Roseville and Saint Paul.

Extending Tracks Issue 18: November 2017

Issue 18 of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter.

Income inequality in the Twin Cities metro area

In a three-part series of MetroStats research reports, the Metropolitan Council looks at income inequality in the region between 1990 and 2015.

New Metropolitan Council Chair reflects on first three months in job

Seven-county tour focused on partnerships, building relationships.

Metro Mobility Task Force work underway

The Metro Mobility Task Force has begun examining potential ways to improve and streamline the service.

New rapid bus line to include battery-electric buses

Metro Transit's next rapid bus line will bring battery-electric buses to the Twin Cities for the first time.

Council Chair tours Scott and Carver Counties with partnerships top of mind

Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff continues the seven-county circuit as the newly appointed head of the regional planning agency. She most recently enjoyed visits to Scott and Carver Counties.

Metropolitan Council releases new, updated Regional Parks Map

First update in more than a decade reflects rich cultural heritage of region

Chair recommends rejecting construction bids for SWLRT, reopening bidding process

The 4 submitted construction bids did not meet cost expectations and responsiveness requirements.

Chair says transit system ready for busiest day of the year

With sports events and the State Fair, roads will be busy Thursday. Council Chair Tchourumoff says it's the best time to let Metro Transit do the driving.

Chair tours Washington, Dakota, Anoka Counties

Regional tour highlights partnerships.

Council approves first grant aimed at preserving manufactured housing, boosting home ownership among people of color

Grant recipient represents 78% of affordable housing in City of Corcoran

Metro area cities can apply for funding to improve local sewers

Effort aimed at keeping region’s water supply clean and affordable.

New Met Council Chair begins 7-county tour

Alene Tchourumoff kicks off tour of Metro area to hear directly from regional leaders and partners on ways to continue to build and strengthen the region.

Alene Tchourumoff sworn in as 15th Chair of Metropolitan Council

Tchourumoff aims to make region economically competitive with cities worldwide.

Council awards $4 million in grants promoting jobs, economic development

Two smaller grants help fund transit-oriented development projects.
 

Final 2016 population estimates are now available.

The estimates are the official population and household estimates for state government purposes, including how local government aid (LGA) and local street aid allocations are determined.

Extending Tracks Issue 17: July 2017

Issue 17 of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter.

Council receives low-interest PFA loan for 2017 wastewater projects

The Metropolitan Council received a $40 million loan from the Minnesota Clean Water Revolving Fund to finance multiple wastewater treatment projects.

New documentary on affordable housing in the Twin Cities region to air on TPT

A new documentary about the state of affordable housing in the Twin Cities region will air on Twin Cities Public Television starting Sunday, June 11.

Income inequality continues to plague Twin Cities

Great Recession hit lower income earners hardest

Proposed budget cuts will devastate Twin Cities transit if enacted

Transit advocates, business groups, and local officials urged the House leadership to withdraw their proposed legislation and to pursue a sustainable fix to transit funding in the region.

Population growth in the 7-county metro remains strong; Carver County surpasses 100,000

The estimated population of the Twin Cities region on July 1, 2016 was 3.03 million, according to information released today by the U.S. Census.

Extending Tracks Issue 16: February 2017

Issue 16 of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter.

Nearly $6.8 billion in new development reported along LRT lines

Regional transit system sparks investment in local communities.

Blue Line Extension LRT gains FTA approval to enter engineering phase

The extension will connect downtown Minneapolis to northwest metro and create 6,500 construction jobs.

Metro Transit ridership tops 82.6 million in 2016

For sixth consecutive year, more than 80 million rides provided.

Federal Transit Administration propels Southwest LRT Project forward with approval to enter engineering

Authorization illustrates federal confidence in project, ahead of approval of federal funding.

Fare toolbox grows with introduction of new mobile app

A new Metro Transit app allows people to buy and instantly use fares using a smartphone.

Blue Line Extension connecting northwest suburbs to over 570,000 jobs in existing light rail transit corridors moves ahead

Metropolitan Council approves Blue Line Extension’s environmental review allowing the project to proceed. Project will connect rapidly diversifying communities with jobs across the metro area.
 
 

Extending Tracks Issue 15: September 2016

The September 2016 issue of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter.

Urban Centers are home to most new housing in metro area

Minneapolis has consistently led the region's cities and townships in new residential construction since 2010, add­ing over 11,700 permitted new housing units over the past five years.

Metro Transit honored as System of the Year

Metro Transit is celebrating a top national award that recognizes its record ridership and success in a range of areas, including safety, operations, maintenance and community relations.

Inaction at the state leads to $19 million in cost delays for SWLRT

Project is overwhelmingly supported by business community and local elected officials.

Aspiring Mechanic-Technicians build skills, confidence

An industry first, Metro Transit's Transit Technician program combined empowerment training, tutoring and 300 hours shadowing current Mechanic-Technicians.    

The last five years: Population growth in the Twin Cities region since 2010

Latest MetroStat describes how the region's population has changed, where growth has occurred in the region, and how our population growth compares with other metro areas.

METRO Blue Line Extension Final Environmental Impact Statement is available

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed METRO Blue Line Light Rail Transit (BLRT) Extension Project is now available for review and comment.

Council takes steps to ensure equity in regional parks

The Metropolitan Council is taking steps to ensure that equity is considered when it invests funding into the regional park system. 

Nation’s population is older, more diverse

The nation’s population is increasingly diverse and the number of older adults is rising—patterns evident in the Twin Cities region as well.

Extending Tracks Issue 14: May 2016

The May 2016 issue of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter.

Local mayors, Chambers of Commerce, and residents speak out in favor of Southwest LRT

A host of local officials, organizations, business leaders, and residents voice their support for SWLRT.

Final Environmental Impact Statement released on Southwest LRT

Publication comes after years of public feedback and technical analysis, done in conjunction with project staff from the Metropolitan Council.

Real estate figures show access to transit major factor for homebuyers

Residents increasingly seeking out housing near transit lines.

Development along Green Line soars to more than $4 billion

Southwest LRT spurs more than $400 million in local development; $5 billion total development along existing and planned LRT lines.

Race and ethnicity matter for economic success and opportunity

Council research finds disparities between whites and people of color persist even when accounting for demographic differences.

Twin Cities metro region hits record-high population, surpasses 3 million residents

The U.S. Census Bureau released its population estimates for 2015 on Thursday, showing a population increase of more than 162,000 people for the seven-county metro region since 2010.

Extending Tracks Issue 13: March 2016

Issue 13 of the Southwest LRT newsletter features station designs, Metropolitan Council grants, new station names, and more.

Southwest LRT station designs unveiled

See design details for each of the 15 light rail stations.

Blue Line Extension Successfully Gains Municipal Consent

The METRO Blue Line Extension LRT Project is one step closer to becoming a reality after gaining approval for municipal consent.

Storm water and wastewater are not a good mix

Gov. Dayton proposes grants for local governments to prevent costly consequences.

Council Chair calls for partnerships as a path to prosperity

In his first State of the Region address, Chair Duininck emphasizes collaboration, engagement and regionalism.

Total metro area ridership reaches nearly 99 million

2015 was a year of continual record-breaking for the regional transit system.

Governor’s Jobs Bill Would Create Over 39,000 Minnesota Jobs

$1.4 billion bonding bill invests in needed infrastructure improvements across Minnesota.

Council awards millions in grants to clean up sites, promote redevelopment

The Livable Communities grants help clean polluted sites, create or retain jobs, increase tax base, product or preserve affordable housing and encourage other private and public investment.

$32 million in grants for transportation projects will support economic development, job creation

Departments of Transportation and Employment and Economic Development announce grants for 11 state highway projects, including five metro projects.

Extending Tracks Issue 12: December 2015

Issue 12 of the project newsletter features a series of new images showing elements of the LRT line as they would look when completed.

Funding approved for wastewater infrastructure projects

The projects will protect and preserve water quality by maintaining and improving the wastewater treatment facilities and interceptors that serve the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Transit-oriented development brings new life to Lake Street

Since the opening of the METRO Blue Line and Lake Street/Midtown Station, the neighborhood has welcomed new businesses, a YMCA and a farmer’s market that  draws more than 66,000 visitors a year. 

Blue Line Extension project reaches major milestone

Staff to present updated project scope and cost estimate to Corridor Management Committee.

Extending Tracks Issue 11: September 2015

This issue of the Southwest LRT newsletter includes articles on the municipal consent process, environmental compliance, and a new visualization of the Green Line Extension route.

Latest Census data: Region has high education and low poverty, but racial disparities persist

The data highlight the region’s high educational attainment and low poverty rate, but also reinforce concern about racial and ethnic disparities that are among the largest in the country.

Southwest LRT: Met Council initiates municipal consent process on revised preliminary design plans

After making $250 million in scope reductions recommended by communities on the planned Southwest LRT line in early July, the Met Council today approved reinitiating the municipal consent process.

Council OKs revised Southwest LRT with Southwest Station as westernmost stop

Southwest Station will become the Southwest LRT’s westernmost stop, eliminating Mitchell Road Station. Town Center Station will be deferred as part of $250 million in cost reductions.

Strong ridership and economic development mark Green Line anniversary

The one year mark of the METRO Green Line’s light rail service has seen ridership far exceeding projections and seeds of economic development begin to blossom.

Construction begins June 9 on solar energy facility at Blue Lake Plant in Shakopee

Once up and running, thousands of solar panels will help power the plant.

Preliminary estimates show regional population growth of nearly 128,000 during 2010-2014

Metropolitan Council releases preliminary estimates for local review and comment.

Test results and delays increase total cost of Southwest LRT project to $2 billion

Analysis released today by the Metropolitan Council (Council) concludes that test results and project delays have increased the cost of the Southwest LRT Project.

All about the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB)

Learn more about the Transportation Advisory Board that informs Council policy and decision-making.

Extending Tracks Issue 10: March 2015

The tenth issue of the Southwest LRTproject newsletter features information on station design and upcoming public involvement opportunities. 

Met Council & Minneapolis Park & Rec Board reach understanding on SWLRT Kenilworth Channel Crossing

Met Council Chair Adam Duininck and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President Liz Wielinski announce that the two agencies have reached an understanding.

Extending Tracks Issue 9: February 2015

The ninth issue of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter features recent news and a look ahead to upcoming developments in station design. 

Wait list for federal rent assistance opens for first time since 2007

Online applications ONLY will be accepted between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27, 2015.

The A Line: A new kind of bus service coming to Saint Paul

The new service will be online later this year, and will introduce improved transit service on arterial streets, like Snelling Avenue. 

Council Livable Communities grants support land use/transit connections

The Council has approved $7.5 million in grants to support metro-area projects. Grants will promote housing affordability, connect neighborhoods and people to jobs, and prompt additional investment.

Extending Tracks Issue 8: Late Fall 2014

The eighth issue of Extending Tracks features information on local funding, environmental testing and landscape planning for the Kenilworth area.

Kenilworth bridge concepts are a nod to nature and railroad heritage

The designs for the Southwest light rail bridge feature arches, angled piers, and a thin deck, similar to the existing railroad bridge, and fashioned to fit in with the natural surroundings.

Clean Water Roadmap charts course for Land of 10,000 Lakes

The roadmap identifies outcomes, expected progress, and measurements of success for protecting and restoring Minnesota's water resources.

Statement on the completion of the Southwest LRT municipal consent process

Today’s Minneapolis City Council vote granting the project municipal consent allows the Metropolitan Council to seek approval from the federal government to enter Final Engineering.

Statement on the Completion of the Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Process

A Minneapolis City Council vote granting the project municipal consent allows the Metropolitan Council to seek approval from the federal government to enter Final Engineering.

Feds: Met Council can begin designing METRO Blue Line Extension

The Metropolitan Council received federal approval to begin designing the METRO Blue Line Extension northwest of Minneapolis, the region’s fourth light rail transit project.

SWLRT: Joint announcement by the City of Minneapolis and the Metropolitan Council

Today, Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges announce a tentative agreement regarding the plan to build the Southwest Light Rail Project

Council brownfield cleanup grants spur jobs, economic development

Extending Tracks Issue 6: Summer 2014

The sixth issue of Extending Tracks features information on Southwest LRT fieldwork underway during Summer 2014. 

Excessive stormwater in wastewater system causes overflows and backups

Excessive amounts of rainwater are flowing into the local and regional wastewater collection systems, causing overflows and sewer system backups.

METRO Green Line opens on time and on budget

Leaders praise community and partnerships for success, as the region's second light rail line (formerly called the Central Corridor) opened Saturday morning to much fanfare.

METRO Green Line helps attract at least $2.5 billion in development

Developers have announced at least $2.5 billion worth of new projects within a half-mile of the METRO Green Line (Central Corridor LRT Project) since engineering work began.

Extending Tracks Issue 5: Spring 2014

The Spring 2014 issue of the Southwest LRT Project newsletter, Extending Tracks, is now available. 

Region’s third LRT line advances to prepare for job, housing growth

Council approved the Southwest LRT (METRO Green Line Extension) to serve existing transportation needs and accommodate forecasted growth in jobs and households in the Southwest Corridor.

Recommendation: Shallow LRT tunnels, LRT over channel on bridge, Mitchell Rd. Station

Building shallow tunnels for light rail tracks and an LRT bridge over a channel between two lakes is the best option for the Southwest LRT (METRO Green Line Extension), planners reaffirmed today.

Testing of Green Line Stations' public address system starts Friday

Testing of Green Line Station's public address systems will begin Friday.

June 14, 2014: Grand opening for METRO Green Line

Light rail between Minneapolis and St. Paul will link Twin Cities residents to neighborhoods and the two downtowns starting Saturday, June 14 with free rides and day-long community celebrations.

Extending Tracks Issue 4: December 2013

The fourth issue of Extending Tracks, the Southwest LRT Project newsletter, has been published. 

Economic equity is indeed a group effort

If you care about our regional economy, you should care about the employment gap between whites and people of color, and the poverty it creates. 

Southwest LRT vote delayed for additional study

Chair Haigh directed the Met Council to delay its vote on the final scope and budget of the Southwest LRT project for 60 to 90 days.

Southwest Light Rail: Shallow tunnels recommended along the preferred route in Minneapolis

Building shallow tunnels is the most cost-effective solution and best long-term investment for the region, METRO Southwest LRT (Green Line Extension) planners said.

7th Street between Wabasha and Minnesota re-opens Monday, September 30, 2013

7th Street between Wabasha and Minnesota re-opens Monday, September 30, 2013.

Fifth Street lane reduced between Wabasha and Minnesota street on Friday, September 27th

Fifth Street lane reduced between on Sept 27

Light rail vehicle tests begin through University of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – July 24, 2013 –The first light rail vehicle to operate under its own power on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project (Green Line) will make its inaugural run this week.

Cost estimates released for 8 options for resolving freight rail issue

Construction of the Southwest LRT Line (Green Line Extension) will require that freight rail traffic on the preferred LRT route in Minneapolis is either adjusted or relocated to St. Louis Park.

Extending Tracks Issue 3: July 2013

Extending Tracks newsletter issue 3 (July 2013) has been published.

Contract awarded to build Central Station stairway-elevator tower

PCL Construction Services awarded a nearly $1.8 million contract to build a stairway-elevator tower to connect the skyway spanning Central Station to the sidewalk. 

Report provides update on how businesses fared during Central Corridor LRT (Green Line) construction

The Federal Transit Administration and the Metropolitan Council are making available their Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS) for the Central Corridor LRT Project (Green Line).

"On The Green Line" Campaign Snapshot

Snapshot shows work for the "On The Green Line" marketing campaign.

Council approves light rail for Bottineau Transitway

The Metropolitan Council has approved light rail for the 13-mile Bottineau Transitway between Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, an important step toward building out a regional transitway system.

First LRV undergoing clearance verification today on Green Line

The first light rail vehicle is making its inaugural appearance April 28 on the Green Line (Central Corridor LRT), albeit not under its own power.

Extending Tracks Issue 1 published

The first issue of the Southwest LRT newsletter, Extending Tracks, is now available.

Washington Avenue Bridge retrofit for LRT line wins award for contractor

Redesigning the iconic Washington Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis to carry light rail trains earned a coveted engineering award for the Metropolitan Council and AECOM.

More than $1.2 billion in development occurring along Central Corridor

The Green Line moniker is proving apt, with more than $1.2 billion in development occurring along the Central Corridor LRT line even before trains begin carrying passengers sometime in 2014. 

Busiest year of Central Corridor heavy construction coming to end

Installing overhead wires, station art, testing trains on tap for 2013.

First Central Corridor light rail vehicle, rebranded Hiawatha LRV meet the press

Flashing the “Green Line” moniker, the first light rail vehicle (LRV) built for the Central Corridor LRT line arrived today at Target Field Station, its bell ringing with abandon. 

Weld connects Central Corridor, Hiawatha LRT lines

Crews joined the Central Corridor light rail track to existing Hiawatha light rail track today.

Central Corridor LRT project marks significant milestone

Crews have completed placement of the Central Corridor light rail line’s first Traction-Power Substation just south of the Raymond Avenue Station. 

Central Corridor LRT construction reaches halfway mark on schedule

Construction of the Central Corridor LRT Project is 50 percent complete and on track to be 75 percent done by year’s end. 

Council approves METRO name, vehicle graphics for LRT/BRT transitway system

System name and vehicle branding completes Met Council framework.

Last and busiest year of heavy construction getting underway

The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor LRT Project is kicking off.

Region’s second light rail line, Met Council funding help spur development

Nearly 40 commercial/retail and housing developments creating more than 5,100 housing units have been recently completed, are underway or are being planned along the Central Corridor light rail line.

Skyway reopening kicks off last month of heavy construction for 2011

A rebuilt downtown St. Paul skyway opened today, kicking off a series of elements to be completed in the next month to wrap up the first of two years of heavy construction on the CCLRT Project.

Businesses can apply now for LRT construction-related loans

Small retail businesses and restaurants along the Central Corridor LRT line under construction can now apply for up to $20,000 each in interest-free, forgivable loans. 

Federal government makes it official

 FTA comes to town bearing commitment to pay half of CCLRT.

Feds to ink deal paying for half of Central Corridor LRT line

The federal government will make official its contractual commitment to pay half the cost of building the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit line at a ceremony April 26.

Business aid during LRT construction grows to more than $11 million

More than $6 million available in forgivable loans and grants.

Workforce goals

Ramps to close while LRT bridge is built over I-35W

Two Interstate 35W ramps will close for several months as crews prepare to build a bridge over the interstate to join Central Corridor and Hiawatha Light Rail Transit tracks. 

Hearings set to take public testimony on potential business impacts

Two hearings will be held March 16 to take public testimony on the Supplemental Environmental Assessment reviewing the potential loss of business revenue along the CCLRT during construction.

Meetings part of larger effort to address potential business impacts

Two meetings set for Feb. 17 to hear concerns about potential business impacts of CCLRT construction are part of a larger National Environmental Policy Act process.

Obama’s FY2012 budget quadruples CCLRT funding from FY2011

The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is a big winner in President Obama’s fiscal 2012 budget.
 

Two meetings set for Feb 17 as part of environmental assessment

The Federal Transit Administration, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Council, will undertake a supplemental environmental assessment for the Central Corridor LRT Project.

CCLRT positioned for federal commitment, creating 3,400 jobs

The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is poised to create at least 3,400 jobs now that the federal government has forwarded the Full Funding Grant Agreement to Congress.

Met Council awards last major construction contract for project

The Metropolitan Council awarded PCL Construction Services Inc. a $43.1 million contract to convert a vacant former factory in St. Paul into the operations and maintenance facility.

Learn how to get Central Corridor job at Nov 12 workforce mixer

For people who want to know how to begin landing a job on the largest public works project in Minnesota history.

Aldridge/Collisys wins system contract

The Metropolitan Council awarded Aldridge/Collisys, a joint venture, an $87.9 million systems contract.

Met Council, U of M reach agreement on Central Corridor LRT project

Representatives of the Metropolitan Council and University of Minnesota have reached agreement on plan to protect university research facilities.

Ames-McCrossan to build 3 miles of line, Siemens to build 41 LRVs

The Metropolitan Council awarded contracts to Ames Construction/C.S. McCrossan and Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. 

Walsh wins contract to build 7-mile St. Paul segment

The Metropolitan Council today awarded the first heavy construction contract.

Central Corridor clears last step before full federal funding

The Central Corridor LRT Project received permission today to enter final design.

Work on the western 3 miles of the Central Corridor line to begin in September

Contractor crews will begin working this fall on elements of the western three miles of the 11-mile Central Corridor LRT Project.

Heavy construction starts in August on Robert St. north of I-94

Shovels will start digging for the Central Corridor LRT line in August east of the Capitol where work will begin on Robert and 12th streets north of Interstate 94.

Additional station promised, new budget, contract signed

A promise to fund an additional station, approval of a budget of up to $941 million and award of a contract to start public utility relocation in downtown St. Paul.

Artists to present design concepts for Central Corridor stations

Five artist teams will present their early design concepts in May 2009 for the 15 Central Corridor LRT stations.