Construction

Construction workers install bridge deck at the Cedar Lake Channel

Construction hotline

Call the 24-hour hotline for problems such as blocked access to business or residential areas, improper traffic sign placement or parking issues: 612-373-3933

For emergencies, always call 911.

For general questions or comments about Southwest LRT, contact your Community Outreach Coordinator.

Subscribe to updates

The Met Council provides information on construction activities every other Friday during the winter. Subscribe to receive construction activity updates by email or text.

LRT Construction Sequencing


DONE

Utilities

Excavation, Relocation / Installation


DONE

Site prep

Clear buildings, Establish work zones, detours

60% COMPLETE

Structures, Track, Stations

Track beds, track, buildings, roadwork, trails

2%
COMPLETE

Systems

Overhead catenary, safety & security, ticket vending
PRIOR TO REVENUE SERVICE

Testing

Safety, communications, operator training
 

2022 construction highlights

The project recently passed a significant milestone, reaching 70% overall completion of construction. The video linked below shows just how much work has been accomplished in 2022. Among the highlights are substantial progress on all 16 stations, completion of the improvements to the Franklin Operations & Maintenance Facility, the commencement of Systems Contract work, and substantial completion of the majority of bridges and walls on the project.

2023 promises to be another productive year for the project. We are thankful for the support that we continue to receive as we advance this generation transformational transit investment toward the opening of revenue operations.

Civil construction challenges


Corridor protection wall

  • Required per BNSF agreement
  • Required environmental clearance which was completed after civil construction contracting
  • Added to the civil construction contract by change order

Secant wall

  • Unforeseen soil conditions (settling during initial tunnel construction) necessitated an alternative construction method
  • Added to the civil construction contract by change order
  • These issues impact other contracts and the overall project schedule and budget

Construction updates: May 19, 2023

West 21st Street in Minneapolis to Close to General Traffic

West 21st Street between Upton and Thomas Avenues South will close to non-residential vehicle traffic starting May 22 through the 2023 construction season for utility, LRT track and roadway construction. Local access for residents on Upton Avenue South will be maintained through a temporary bypass road.  

People who are not residents on Upton Avenue South visiting Cedar Lake East Beach must walk or roll to the beach area. People can park east of the area on local streets, avoiding parking on signed “no parking” streets. 

As part of this work the Kenilworth Trail is temporarily closed between West 21st Street and the Bryn Mawr Station area for the duration of the construction season.

Can I have any of the materials (plants, trees, fencing, etc.) within construction sites and work zones?
No. Many of the natural materials within construction sites will be used for on-site erosion control.  Other materials may be contaminated and require the contractor to dispose per environmental regulations.

If I see an animal that needs assistance, what should I do?
As construction begins, some wildlife may be displaced. Should you come across animals that need assistance outside of construction areas and work zones, contact your city’s animal control office or one of the following resources:

Will there be freight train horns being sounded during construction?
Yes. With portions of the SWLRT construction corridor located immediately adjacent to active freight rail lines, freight trains will follow their standard operating rules when approaching a construction area. Freight trains are required to sound their horn as the train approaches a construction area that is occupied by workers or equipment adjacent to the freight line, until the front of the train has passed the construction area. This will mean additional train horn soundings during construction.

Safety is our top priority during construction. Please observe signage around construction areas and note conditions may change: Stay alert. Stay safe.

METRO Green Line Extension

Green Line Extension Project Office
Park Place West Building, Suite 500
6465 Wayzata Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Construction hotline: 612-373-3933