METRO Blue Line getting renewed after 20 years

After two decades of service, the METRO Blue Line is making improvements as part of the ‘Renew the Blue’ initiative.  Renew the Blue includes four distinct projects that will help preserve and protect this critical piece of our infrastructure investment, helping it remains safe, reliable, and affordable. These projects include Track & Signals, Lake St./Midtown Station renovation, Franklin Station renovation and Your Station, Renewed (which includes lighting and benches).  

Around 180 million rides have been taken on the Blue Line since it opened between downtown Minneapolis and Bloomington, serving the international airport and Mall of America.

Phase 1 of Track and Signals will shut down the Blue Line beginning Monday, Sept. 22, for nearly two weeks. This marks the start of a three-year effort to modernize and extend the life of the line. During this phase, critical equipment in the Cedar-Riverside area will be replaced.

“It’s essential to maintain the Blue Line in a state of good repair for years to come so our riders can rely on us for safe and dependable service,” said Wyatt Jackson, a principal engineer who is leading the Track and Signals project for Metro Transit.

To allow for construction, buses will replace trains along the entire stretch of the Blue Line until Saturday, Oct. 4, when Blue Line service will resume.

Replacement buses operate on a similar schedule to trains and stop at or near stations. Metro Transit staff will be on hand to help direct customers. Replacement bus maps can be found at metrotransit.org/closure.

The METRO D Line, with service between Brooklyn Center and Mall of America in Bloomington, is another good alternative for those traveling to or from downtown Minneapolis. 

Looking ahead to 2026

In the summer of 2026, Phase 2 of the Track and Signals project will undertake a complete upgrade of train signal equipment. The current equipment is over 20 years old and at the end of its useful life; new equipment will make the Blue Line more reliable.

To allow for construction, buses will again replace trains along the full length of the Blue Line. The current schedule calls for buses to replace Blue Line trains from June through August; exact dates will be shared closer to the start of construction.

A full renovation of the Lake Street/Midtown Station is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the station closed through fall 2027. The upgraded station will feature a new pedestrian ramp, wider stairways opening onto Lake Street, enhanced lighting and a transit service center.

The finishing touches

The final phase of the Track and Signals project will occur in 2027 and includes additional rail and signal work. Buses will replace Blue Line trains during the spring and summer.

A renovation of the Franklin Avenue Station is also expected to begin in 2027. Like the Lake Street/Midtown Station project, the goal is to provide better station access and a more welcoming customer experience.

Stay informed

Riders are encouraged to learn more, follow progress, and find the information needed to plan trips in advance by visiting Metro Transit’s website, metrotransit.org/renew-the-blue. Assistance is available in multiple languages by calling 612-373-3333.

Riders can also receive text and email alerts by signing up for Rider Alerts at metrotransit.org/alerts.

Blue Line service improvements ahead

Beginning Oct. 4, 2025, Blue Line trains will begin running every 12 minutes at 7 a.m., rather than mid-morning. The more frequent service is a result of successful train operator hiring efforts. Visit Metro Transit’s website to review the Blue Line schedule.