Project Facts

About the Southwest LRT Project

Southwest LRT at a Glance

The approximately 14.5-mile route will serve the growing communities of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie [Map]
16 new stations with connections to streets and trails will be built, attracting new residential and commercial development
Service will begin in 2023 as an extension of the METRO Green Line
In 2014, there were approximately 64,300 jobs within ½ mile of the proposed stations and 126,800 jobs in downtown Minneapolis. By 2035, employment is expected to grow to 80,900 within ½ mile of the proposed stations and 145,300 in downtown Minneapolis – a 18% increase in employment
In 2014, there were about 35,800 people within ½ mile of the proposed stations and 16,400 residents with access to the 5 shared stations in downtown Minneapolis. By 2035, the population within ½ mile of the proposed stations is expected to grow by 56 percent to 55,800, and the population of downtown Minneapolis is expected to grow by 117 percent increase to 35,600
The total project budget is $2.003 billion, funded by a combination of federal, county, state and local sources. More information
Construction is expected to begin in 2018. More information
An estimated 7,500 construction workers will be needed to build the line, with $350 million estimated construction payroll
Nearly 34,000 weekday boardings anticipated in 2040

Project Timeline

Project Fact Sheets

Transportation

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.
Planning , Transportation

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).