METRO Orange Line - Public Engagement

Public Engagement Plan

Metro Transit has developed a Public Engagement Plan that outlines how the Orange Line project team will engage and educate the public, policymakers, stakeholder groups, and Metro Transit staff on the METRO Orange Line project. 

A well-informed and engaged public will make for a stronger project and more useful transit system for all. The Public Engagement Plan will have a special engagement focus on communities that are traditionally under-represented in transit planning processes. Because the large corridor is diverse and varied, engagement and outreach will be tailored for each station area. The plan will aim to create long-lasting relationships with the public, build capacity of existing community organizations, and strive for a reciprocal exchange of information between Metro Transit and engaged stakeholders. 

Community Members and Organizations

Are you interested in learning more about the Orange Line?

Do you have ideas, concerns or questions?

Our staff would love to speak or meet with you. We can attend meetings, talk one-on-one, provide materials, participate in events,
or do site visits.

To set something up, email Juan Rangel at [email protected]. 

Concurrent Planning

35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown

MnDOT's 35W@94 Project (formerly known as the I-35W Transit/Access Project) includes a number of freeway improvements between I-94 and 42nd Street, as well as the construction of the Orange Line station at Lake Street, a transit-only ramp at 12th Street, and local streetscape improvements on Lake. Construction began in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2021. 

I-494/35W Interchange Vision Layout

County State Aid Highway 53 (66th Street) Reconstruction

35W Solutions Alliance

The 35W Solutions Alliance, established in 1989, is a multi-jurisdictional Joint Powers Agreement among the cities of Bloomington, Burnsville, Elko New Market, Lakeville, Minneapolis, Richfield, Savage and Dakota, Hennepin and Scott Counties, and partner agencies the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority. The 35W Solutions Alliance members and agency partners support funding, building, operating and maintaining a robust multimodal transportation system that reduces congestion and improves safety. 

The 35W Solutions Alliance has made METRO Orange Line a top priority, and serves as the policy oversight committee for the project. In this role, the group will advise the Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit on project components, providing a comprehensive corridor- and region-wide perspective. More information on the role of the 35W Solutions Alliance is available here.

Technical Advisory Committee

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) advised the project planning, with representatives from the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, county and city agencies, MnDOT, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and others. Its purpose was to provide technical guidance and assist in the resolution of technical issues in their field.

Staff Working Group

The Orange Line Working Group consists of Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council staff from Service Development, Street Operations, Engineering and Facilities, Local Planning Assistance, Community Outreach, Metropolitan Transportation Services and the BRT/Small Starts Project Office. The working group reviews all technical information and recommendations, advises on the feasibility of alternatives and provides a link back to departmental work that impacts I-35W planning and implementation.