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METRO E Line construction update: March 28, 2025

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We have updated our construction map for the METRO E Line.  You can find it at the top of our project web page.  

Work is happening at these stations:

Dates are approximate and subject to change.

Hennepin and 36th Street:

Week of March 31:

• Xcel Energy is currently working to relocate electrical facilities in preparation of E Line construction at this location.
• Following completion of the Xcel utility work, Metro Transit contractors will set up traffic control and begin removals. This work may begin as early as the week of March 31.
• Crews will begin sawcutting and removal of concrete.
• This work includes the use of heavy machinery, and impacts such as vibrations, loud noise, and dust and debris are to be expected.

Richfield Road & Bde Maka Ska:

Week of March 31:

• Crews will put up traffic control reducing Richfield Road to one lane through the station area. Eastbound and westbound traffic will alternate using a temporary stoplight on either side of the construction area.
• Crews will begin sawcutting and removal of concrete.
• This work includes the use of heavy machinery, and impacts such as vibrations, loud noise, and dust and debris are to be expected.

Week of April 7:

• Crews will work on underground utilities.

44th Street and Abbott:

The northbound E Line platform at this intersection was constructed in 2024. The following details are specific to the southbound platform (on the north side of 44th Street).

Week of March 31:

• West 44th Street will be temporarily closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic at Abbott. 44th Street is planned to reopen to eastbound through traffic at this intersection by the end of the week; westbound traffic will remain detoured.
• Westbound traffic on West 44th Street will be detoured north on Xerxes Avenue, west on West 39th Street and south on France Avenue South. Eastbound traffic on West 44th Street will be detoured north on France Avenue South, east on West 39th Street and South on Xerxes Avenue. 
• Crews will finish pavement removals.
• Crews will install underground utilities.
• This work includes the use of heavy machinery, and impacts such as vibrations, loud noise, and dust and debris are to be expected.

Week of April 7:

• Crews will work to install new underground utilities.
• Crews will work to grade materials and begin to construct new curbs and roadway surfaces.

France & 62nd Street

Week of March 31:

• Crews will work to install new utilities.
• Construction will continue with underground electrical work.

Week of April 7:

• Crews will work to grade materials and begin to construct new curbs and roadway surfaces.

Southdale Hospital

• Access to Southdale Hospital and Southdale Medical Center parking lots and garages will be maintained during construction.
• France Avenue can be accessed from the Hospital and Medical Center by taking Drew Avenue to 66th Street.

Week of March 31:

• Crews will continue to construct new curbs and roadway surfaces.
• Crews will work on underground electrical work.
• Crews will prepare for platform construction.

Week of April 7:

• Crews will continue underground electrical work.
• Crews will work on grading the road and sidewalk for new concrete and asphalt.

Additional work that will happen this year:

Final completion of stations will occur this year as Metro Transit prepares for the launch of E Line service. After civil construction of station platforms is complete, installation of station amenities (including shelters, real-time signs, bike racks, and benches) and equipment testing will occur. These activities are expected to take only a few days at each site and will cause minimal disruption to traffic.

Platform construction will also be completed at several stations through coordinated projects with Metro Transit’s partners including:

• Hennepin County – University and Fourth roadway improvements: University & U of M Rec Center, University & 15th Avenue, University & 11th Avenue   
• City of Minneapolis – Hennepin Ave. S. Reconstruction: Hennepin & Franklin, Hennepin & 25th Street

What to expect during construction

In addition to stations, E Line construction activities also include installation of fiber optic communication infrastructure and construction of additional pedestrian, traffic signal, bikeway, and intersection improvements delivered in partnership with Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis.  

• Work in the corridor includes station construction, utility work, pavement and intersection improvements, and traffic signal changes.
• Expect temporary lane restrictions and marked detours for traffic.
• Pedestrian access will remain for businesses and residences.
• Buses will experience detours during construction. Up-to-date information about bus detours and temporary stop locations can be found at metrotransit.org/alerts and by subscription to Rider Alerts.  
• Construction will be staged at each station intersection to allow for vehicular traffic flow.

Business spotlight

Businesses will remain open during construction, and you can get to know more about local businesses and how to access them during construction through our newsletter! If you would like to have your business featured, email us here.

Questions about construction?

Metro Transit is selecting the next planned arterial bus rapid transit lines

Thank you for continuing to engage with us on the E Line project. As the E Line moves towards beginning service, our next step is to look at the arterial bus rapid transit lines that would open beyond the Network Now horizon of 2027- an effort called the arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) Plan Update.

The arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) Plan Update will identify the next three planned arterial BRT lines, the J, K, and L lines, planned to open between 2030 and 2035. These lines will join the growing METRO network of fast, frequent, all-day service between comfortable stations with enhanced amenities. 

The Plan Update will start from 17 candidate corridors and narrow down to the J, K, and L Line through technical evaluation, public feedback, and coordination with cities, counties, and MnDOT. 

Please review the initial candidate corridors to share your feedback.

Learn more and sign up for project updates.

E-mail: eline@metrotransit.org