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]
15 new stations with connections to streets and trails will be built, attracting new residential and commercial development
Service will begin in 2021 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 $1.858 billion, funded by a combination of federal, state and local sources. More information
Construction is expected to begin in 2017. 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

Impacts of House Transportation Bill would be felt across entire region
All 151 bus routes impacted by reduced service or elimination.
Planning , Transportation

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.