METRO Blue Line Extension
Minneapolis & northwestern communities
The METRO Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit project will extend the existing Blue Line from Target Field Station northwest to Brooklyn Park and connect communities along the way.
Blue Line Extension Project Announces Anti-Displacement Request for Proposals
As the Blue Line Extension project has worked with the community to identify a supported alignment later this year, one thing we have heard consistently through this process is the need for the project to address potential displacement along the route options. We have heard and share these concerns, and are committed to working with partners and community to prevent displacement and advance community visions for investment and economic development that can help residents and business build wealth in place and improve overall quality of life.
To address these concerns and fully maximize the benefits of light rail, the Blue Line project is in the process of forming an Anti-Displacement Working Group with seats for agency and community partners to recommend policy and programs which will positively impact communities and minimize displacement.
Met Council and Hennepin County are committed to making sure the benefits of the LRT project are enjoyed by current corridor residents and businesses. To help guide this work, the Blue Line Extension Project has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an individual or group to convene, facilitate, and manage the work of the Anti-Displacement Working Group. This 12-to-18-month contract represents a first step in the project’s commitment to finding solutions to this complex problem, with the work on anti-displacement and construction support lasting the duration of the project and beyond.
The RFP was posted on July 2 and proposals are due July 27, 2021. For those interested in responding to the RFP, visit the Hennepin County Supplier Portal to submit a proposal.
Community members from the Blue Line Business and Community Advisory committees will help review the proposals. It is expected that we will announce the selected group in August with their work beginning in September. The project team is looking forward to ongoing community conversations and engagement on this topic as we move forward.
Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County release potential station study areas and corridor concept drawings
The Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County released potential station study areas and corridor concept drawings for the planned METRO Blue Line Extension in July 2021.
Potential Station Study Areas – Click here to view a pdf map of the potential station study areas and visualizations
A potential station study area is a location where the project is considering a station for the light rail.
How were these potential station study areas determined?
- Previously planned stations
- Stakeholder and community input
- Key destinations
- Transit connections
- 1/2 to 1 mile spacing
- Overall number of stations
NOTE: The total number of stations has not been determined, meaning some potential station locations may be consolidated or eliminated.
How will these potential station study areas be evaluated?
These stations will be studied with regards to the project principles and goals, public engagement, and engineering requirements. Some additional considerations may include population and jobs, available right of way, and existing and future land use.
Corridor Concept Drawings
- The corridor concept drawings are an extension of the route maps published in March 2021
- Each concept represents a vision of what Blue Line light rail could look like at individual locations along the considered routes.
- Please note that these visualizations are conceptual in nature and are intended only to further ongoing discussions about route selection
- Your feedback on these materials will help us refine the route options and be incorporated into a report that will be available in fall 2021
Interactive map of potential station locations and visualizations
The interactive map has been updated and we are seeking your feedback on potential station locations and visualizations of how light rail could fit into your community. Please provide your feedback on this map by August 31, 2021.
Click map to open larger version and share your feedback - Map supported by Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Engagement Update
Thank you for taking our survey and providing comments on our previous updates shown on the interactive map about potential route and station options. A report summarizing feedback received during our first round of engagement (March – June 2021) is now available to view here.
We have many upcoming in-person and virtual public meetings taking place in July. For more information about these events, view our Meetings and Events page. We hope to see you there.
Other ways to connect with us:
We’re working with 14 community and cultural organizations to support a robust engagement process over the coming months. This is your light rail project, and we look forward to working with you to deliver the best project possible.
Learn more
Learn how the potential routes were selected and other routes considered:
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