Blue Line Extension formally approved; construction set to start in 2025

After more than 18 months of planning, gathering input and proposed routes, the Metro Transit Blue Line Extension has been formally adopted.

The project will connect parts of the north metro to downtown Minneapolis, from Brooklyn Park to Target Field.

Two years ago, the Metropolitan Council wanted a shared rail corridor with BNSF. When that didn’t work out, the council updated its route.

“I believe the benefits of the new route exceed the original route, from providing needed transit connections in North Minneapolis to serving North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale and the growing communities of Crystal and Brooklyn Park,” Met Council Chairman Charlie Zelle said in a statement.

Officials say the line will help to reduce disparities and connect communities that are transit-reliant to education, jobs, health care and other resources, which will also hopefully help small businesses.

“This is a critical transportation investment for our communities and region,” Zelle added. “With the new route officially recognized I look forward to continuing our conversations with community partners and bringing this project across the finish line.”

Construction for the project isn’t set to start until sometime in 2025 and, if all goes well, the extension could open in 2028.

More information is available online.