Metro Blue Line Extension
The light rail Blue Line that currently ends at Target Field Station will be extended through the North Loop all the way to Brooklyn Park. Metro Transit provided an update to the NLNA Board at their March 26 meeting. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2027, but it’s unknown when the North Loop will start to see any work.
The Blue Line Extension will change the North Loop in four ways:
New light rail stop. The new stop will be called “Plymouth Avenue Station” and stop in front of Avivo Village and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.
Plymouth Ave. station
No cars on part of 10th Ave. N. Light rail trains will leave Target Field Station and travel along 10th Avenue, turning north at Washington Avenue. Cars will no longer be allowed on 10th Ave. between N. 4th Street and Washington, creating what is called a “Transit Mall.”
10th Ave. N., looking southeast
New streets: To give cars a way to get around the Transit Mall, two new streets will be added. The existing 8th Ave. N. which currently ends at 3rd St. will be extended through The Butcher and the Boar’s parking lot all the way to N. 5th St. A stoplight and upgraded pedestrian crossing will be added to 8th and Washington. In addition, a new 9th Ave. N. will be created between N. 4th St. and N. 5th St., in front of The Salvation Army on N. 4th across to Glass Art Design and Foundry Home Goods on N. 5th St.
New 8th Ave. N. and 9th Ave. N.
New bike lane: A protected bike lane will be added on N. 2nd St. from Plymouth Ave. N. to Hennepin Ave.
Metro Transit regularly holds community meetings to provide updates. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 from 5 to 7 pm at Sanctuary Covenant Church. For more about the project beyond the North Loop, visit the project page here.
By Mary Binkley, NLNA Board Member