Project Profile: METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT), Minnesota

The METRO Green Line Extension, officially the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, is a major railway infrastructure initiative extending high-capacity transit to Minnesota’s southwestern suburbs. This 14.5-mile double-track line is engineered to connect downtown Minneapolis with the key economic and residential hubs of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park. The project addresses critical regional mobility needs by creating a direct, reliable transit spine integrated with the existing metropolitan network.

Technical Specifications

The project’s alignment involves significant civil engineering works, including the construction of 16 new stations, 29 new or modified bridges, and two tunnels. A notable structure is the 2,230-foot-long Kenilworth Tunnel in Minneapolis, which required complex cut-and-cover construction methods adjacent to an existing freight rail corridor. The route is designed for bi-directional traffic on a standard-gauge double track, fully integrated with the existing METRO light rail system’s signaling and communications infrastructure to ensure seamless operations.

The rolling stock for the extension consists of 27 Siemens S700 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs). These high-floor articulated vehicles feature a seating capacity of 66 and a total capacity of approximately 200 passengers. They are designed for the region’s demanding climate, incorporating enhanced HVAC systems and insulation. The LRVs will draw power from an overhead catenary system and be maintained at a new operations and maintenance facility constructed in Hopkins.

Key Takeaways

• Regional Economic Integration: The line directly connects downtown Minneapolis, a primary economic engine, with major suburban employment centers, including the Opus Park and Golden Triangle areas, supporting an estimated 80,000 jobs along the corridor.
• Multimodal Transit Network: As a critical expansion, the project creates a cohesive transit system by linking with the METRO Blue Line, Northstar Commuter Rail, and dozens of bus routes at key interchange stations like Target Field.
• Complex Urban Engineering: The project serves as a case study in navigating dense urban and suburban environments, requiring extensive tunneling, bridge work, and stakeholder management to mitigate impacts on existing communities and freight operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Southwest Light Rail open to the public?

The METRO Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail project, is currently projected to begin passenger service in 2027. The project has experienced several schedule revisions due to construction complexities and supply chain challenges.

Who is building the Southwest LRT?

The project is managed by the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities. The primary civil construction contract was awarded to the Lunda-McCrossan Joint Venture, and the light rail vehicles are being manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, California.