Legislators along the route are split on the project

“I think that Southwest LRT is in jeopardy,” Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, said

The extension faces challenges--like negotiating an agreement with a railroad for 8 miles of right of way--but project planners seem confident the project would be a smoother ride than the Southwest LRT process.

The Hennepin County Board approved using $5 million from the Environmental Response Fund over four years to clean sites along the future light rail line.

The now $1.74 billion project includes two fewer stations in Eden Prairie, reductions to park-and-ride facilities throughout the length of the line and scaled back landscaping, station amenities and public art.

Metropolitan Council’s Southwest project office has to show later this summer that it can provide the full local commitment for the now $1.74 billion line between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie.

The Corridor Management Committee agreed to cut the project by $250 million.

Adam Duininck talks about how to “pick up the pieces” and build momentum after a disappointing legislative session.

A pitch from Eden Prairie to end the future Southwest Light Rail Transit line at the Southwest Station is gaining support from other stakeholders.

New engineering shows that shifting the stop north could make it difficult to build the line farther west in future years if funding becomes available.