Phase timeline and general work overview
2025: Phase 1
Replacement bus service will operate along the entire Blue Line
Please plan extra time for your trip. Replacement bus timing varies and trips take longer.
NOTE: There will be no service on Blue or Green lines between U.S. Bank and Target Field stations during this closure. The Green Line will serve U.S. Bank Stadium station, allowing customers to catch a return eastbound train to the University of MN and St. Paul or transfer to a replacement bus further into downtown or southbound to Mall of America.
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Switch the switches!
Along with replacement track work in the entire Blue Line corridor, several track switches in the Cedar-Riverside area will be replaced. These switches allow trains to switch between tracks and are worn from years of constant use.
Phase 1 will extend the life of the rail and switches in the Cedar-Riverside area. Upon completion, you can expect a smoother ride as the train travels over the new track. It will be worth the wait!
2026: Phase 2
June - Aug.
(45-day full closure)
Signal your intent!
Phase 2 contains a complete upgrade of the train signal equipment. Light rail trains are controlled by a complex system of signals. The original signal equipment is over 20 years old and is at the end of useful life.
What’s changing?
- A brand-new signal system for improved reliability.
- Enhanced ‘reverse running’ capability—keeping trains moving even in unusual situations like stalled trains or emergency track repairs.
- Smarter routing to keep schedules on track.
Most of the work will happen behind the scenes, inside signal houses along the tracks from Franklin Station to 42nd St. You may not always see the construction, but trust us—big improvements are in motion!
The work completed in Phase 2 will result in a new signal system and track configuration which will allow for more options to route trains efficiently, resulting in improved schedule reliability. A big win for us all!
2027: Phase 3
April - May
(53-day full closure)
May - June
(partial closure)
June - July
(partial closure)
Finishing touches!
Phase 3 work will be a continuation of the signal work that will have ended at 42nd St. in 2026. This work will now extend to Airport -Terminal 2. The rail system south of Terminal 2 was already upgraded over the last few years.
Phase 3 also includes major work in the Airport tunnel. This includes concrete work and full rail replacement.
The benefits of this third and final phase will improve the Blue Line in the ways mentioned in Phase 2, create a smoother ride between airport terminals, and extend the overall service life of your Blue Line.