Mix-up over tunnel plan brings more delay to SW light rail

Incorrect plans sent to the city of Minneapolis will bring yet another delay to the Southwest light rail line.

When Minneapolis received the designs for the project earlier this month, the drawings for a light rail tunnel didn't match the plans discussed during a lengthy review process. Metropolitan Council Chair Sue Haigh acknowledged late last week that project staff submitted the wrong plans to the city.

The drawings showed one tunnel not buried all the way below what's currently the ground level, but placed on what city officials described as a berm.

The inconsistency alarmed community groups in Minneapolis already mistrustful of the process.

Because of the error, the Met Council will push back a joint open house and public hearing with the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority by two weeks, to May 29.

The hearing is required by state law, which mandates that the Met Council seek the approval of all cities touching the light rail route.

If you go
The Met Council and Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority on May 29 will hold a public hearing and open house on Southwest light rail.
Where: Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis
When: Open house at 5 p.m., hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.