The Southwest LRT line will connect to other rail lines (Hiawatha, Central, and Northstar) and high-frequency bus routes in downtown Minneapolis, providing access to the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Mall of America, the State Capitol, and downtown St. Paul.
Metropolitan Council to take Action on Southwest Locally Preferred Alternative
January 8, 2010
In 2010 the Metropolitan Council will finalize the locally preferred alternative (LPA) selection process for the Southwest Transitway by amending the regional Transportation Policy Plan (TPP).
The TPP amendment process will begin with a briefing on the Southwest Transitway to the Metropolitan Council Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, January 20. Council members will have approximately one month to review background information on the Southwest Transitway before they meet again on Wednesday, February 24, to select the LPA, open the amendment to public comment, and set a public hearing on the amendment.
The public hearing is tentatively set for Monday, April 12, and the public comment period will end on Thursday, April 22. The Council will meet on Wednesday, May 12, to formally amend the TPP, completing the LPA selection process for the Southwest Transitway
In sum:
January 20, 2010 -- Metropolitan Council Committee of the Whole meeting: briefing on Southwest LRT project development and planning to date.
February 24, 2010 -- Metropolitan Council Committee of the Whole meeting: LPA selection, public comment period open, public hearing set.
April 12, 2010 -- Public Hearing on Transportation Policy Plan amendment (date is tentative).
April 22, 2010 -- Public comment period closed.
May 12, 2010 -- Metropolitan Council Committee of the Whole meeting: Transportation Policy Plan amended to include the Southwest Transitway LPA.
Questions on the TPP amendment process can be directed to the Metropolitan Council at 651-602-1000.www.metrocouncil.org
Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Recommends Southwest LRT 3A
November 4, 2009
The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) voted on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project’s Locally Preferred Alternative on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The HCRRA unanimously voted to recommend LRT 3A to the Metropolitan Council for inclusion in its 2030 Transportation Plan. The agenda, minutes, and video from the meeting are available here.
How much will it cost to build and operate the Southwest LRT?
Capital Costs in 2015 dollars are estimated at: $865 million - $1.4 billion. Operating Costs in 2015 dollars: $12 - 17 million.
