Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26 , 2009
PORTION OF HIAWATHA LINE TO BE CLOSED MAY 29-JUNE 1 FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK
MINNEAPOLIS – (May 26) – Planned construction work will shut down a portion of the Hiawatha light-rail line from 11 p.m. on Friday, May 29, through 3:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1.
During this period, buses will substitute for trains between Humphrey Terminal Station and Mall of America Station. Trains will operate normally elsewhere along the 12-mile line.
Buses will operate more frequently than trains, but bus trips will take longer than train rides. Customers should plan accordingly. Metro Transit staff will be on hand at key train stations to direct customers to replacement bus service.
Construction crews are lengthening rail platforms at stations to accommodate three-car trains and are upgrading signal equipment to improve the reverse operation of trains through crossings. The service interruption will allow crews to work around the clock and minimize the need for additional closures along this section of the line.
Customers can learn of any last-minute changes to the weekend plan by calling the rail maintenance hotline at 612-373-3333, option 6.
The Hiawatha light-rail line is operated by Metro Transit, a service of the Metropolitan Council. In 2008, the Hiawatha light-rail line surpassed 10 million rides for the first time.
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(Editors: For more information contact Bob Gibbons, director of customer services, at 612-349-7509 or robert.gibbons@metc.state.mn.us)
