COVID-19 pandemic isn’t slowing METRO Gold Line BRT – design is 60% complete
Saint Paul – Neighbors, businesses and future riders of the METRO Gold Line BRT are being asked to weigh in on the planned rapid bus line that will run from Woodbury to downtown Saint Paul. The project’s design work is moving forward and is now 60% complete. The project remains on schedule to begin operations in 2024.
The METRO Gold Line BRT will connect the cities of Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale and Woodbury with frequent bus service, operating in mostly dedicated lanes. This fast and frequent service is already attracting development in housing and retail along the line.
“This is a major investment in the east metro, it will connect thousands of people to jobs, education, entertainment and shopping, as well as access to healthcare and other essential services,” said Project Director Christine Beckwith. “The people who live and work near a project have important, local insights that enhance the project and make it a better investment for the region.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was conducting regular open houses and setting up informational tables at community gatherings. However, the pandemic has caused that public engagement effort to adapt.
Four open-air, socially distanced, pop-up events will be held throughout the Gold Line corridor, beginning with one located at the METRO Green Line O&M Facility, next to CHS Feld plaza in Downtown Saint Paul, on September 26, 2020 from 10:00 AM noon, during the farmers’ market. On October 8th and 13th the project will hold virtual open houses; the same information will be available at each event.
Additionally, Gold Line staff are masking up and returning to community events to talk to people about the project.
“Safety is our number one concern, so we’re continuing to adapt the way we talk to people,” said Gold Line Outreach Manager Liz Jones. “You’ll get a clean pen to fill out a comment card and when you’re done you can keep it or put it in a bin to be sanitized. We’ll talk about the project while wearing masks and from a safe distance, and you’ll have the option of scanning a QR code with your phone to get project information instead of taking a handout. Community feedback is essential to a successful project, and we’re taking the necessary steps to talk to people.”
Online open house
Hear from project leaders and ask questions in an online meeting.
Both online open houses will share the same content.
Thursday, October 8, 2020 | Noon–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Register to attend: metrotransit.org/gold-line
In-person events
Join project staff at a socially distanced, outdoor information table in your neighborhood.
Green Line O&M Facility, next to CHS Field Plaza Saturday, September 26, 2020
10:00 a.m.– Noon
360 N. Broadway Street, Saint Paul
Sunset Park Pavilion, Wednesday, September 30, 2020
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Aspen Way, Landfall
Indian Mounds Regional Park Pavilion, Saturday, October 3, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
10 Mounds Blvd, Saint Paul
Woodbury Theatre Parking Lot, Wednesday, October 7, 2020
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
1470 Queens Drive, Woodbury
Please wear a mask if you plan on attending.
| 
