‘Renew the Blue’ continues for the METRO Blue Line

After two decades of service, we are making improvements to the METRO Blue Line as part of the ‘Renew the Blue’ initiative.  This includes four distinct projects that will help preserve and protect this critical piece of our infrastructure investment, helping it remain safe, reliable, and affordable. These projects include Track & Signals (now in Phase 2), Lake Street/Midtown Station renovation, Franklin Station renovation, and Your Station, Renewed (which includes the renewal of lighting, benches, other amenities, and masonry etc.). 

Track & Signals | Phase 2 begins

This summer, Phase 2 of the Track & Signals project will take place, which will include track replacement and upgrades to signals and other equipment that guide Metro Transit’s light rail train movements. The upgrades will allow safer and more efficient routing of trains, reducing delays, and improving schedule reliability. Buses will replace trains over multiple dates in 2026 along the Blue Line to allow for the planned maintenance in the corridor.

Replacement Blue Line bus service will operate during these dates in 2026*:

• May 9 – May 10: Buses replace trains between Target Field and Fort Snelling stations
• May 30 – May 31: Buses replace trains between Target Field and Fort Snelling stations
• June 29 – Aug. 19: Buses replace trains between Target Field and Mall of America stations

The shared downtown Minneapolis METRO Green Line stations will also be affected during segments of the above June 29 – Aug. 19 Blue Line maintenance period (see below):

• June 29 – July 26: Buses replace Green Line trains between Target Field and West Bank stations. (Note: METRO Green Line customers on board the train can transfer to a Blue Line bus at West Bank Station to continue west into downtown Minneapolis or south toward Mall of America. Green Line customers should exit replacement bus at West Bank station to continue east to St. Paul on the Green Line.)

METRO Green Line trains will operate fully between Union Depot and Target Field stations July 27 – Aug. 15.

• Aug. 16 – Aug. 19: Buses replace Green Line trains between Target Field and West Bank stations (Note: METRO Green Line customers on board the train can transfer to a Blue Line bus at West Bank Station to continue west into downtown Minneapolis or south toward Mall of America. Green Line customers should exit replacement bus at West Bank station to continue east to St. Paul on the Green Line.)

*Dates and affected stations are subject to change. Visit metrotransit.org/track-signals for the most current information.

Please plan extra time for your trip. Replacement bus timing can vary and trips will take longer.  Metro Transit staff will also be on hand to assist customers.

Boarding location maps for replacement bus service can be found at metrotransit.org/closure. And visit our Alternate route page for other options during this 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. 

Dive into the details

A full renovation of the Lake Street/Midtown Station is now scheduled to begin in 2027 after no construction bids were received last year. The upgraded station will feature a new pedestrian ramp, wider stairways opening onto Lake Street, enhanced lighting and a transit service center.

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 enhanced safety, better station access, and a more welcoming rider experience. We are accepting input during this design phase, so get involved and learn more at metrotransit.org/franklin.

Upgrades, repairs, and overall improvements at stations and platforms will continue with Your Station, Renewed. A recent amenity upgrade was completed – watch the bench refurbishment process here.

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

Stay informed

Riders are encouraged to sign up now to receive timely updates of replacement bus schedules at metrotransit.org/alerts and visit metrotransit.org/renew-the-blue to learn about the work and sign up for the newsletter. Assistance is available in multiple languages by calling 612-373-3333.