For SWLRT, Timeline is Emerging

The following article by Janet Moore was published in the September 3, 2015 issue of the
Star Tribune.

For SWLRT, Timeline is Emerging

Lawsuits, financial concerns, municipal approvals still remain for the $1.77 billion project.

When asked if there was a contingency plan should the state not ante its share for the Southwest light-rail project, Met Council Chair Adam Duininck said, “There really isn’t one."

Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune

When asked if there was a contingency plan should the state not ante its share for the Southwest light-rail project, Met Council Chair Adam Duininck said, “There really isn’t one.”

The Southwest light-rail line continues to face serious legal and financial challenges, but on Wednesday, stakeholders began discussing an actual timeline for construction of the $1.77 billion project.

“It’s not too early to talk about construction on this project,” said Craig Lamothe, project director, at a Southwest LRT Corridor Management Committee meeting.

Construction of the 14 ½-mile line — the biggest public works project in state history — will begin in 2017 and last two years. The transit line linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie is slated to open in 2020, a year later than originally forecast.

To continue reading, click on  the link to the Star Tribune
Southwest light-rail project planning continues, despite delays, uncertainties