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Council backs Metro Bronze Line locally preferred alternative
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Summary
After a Metro Transit presentation, the council unanimously adopted a resolution transmitting city support for the Metro Bronze Line locally preferred alternative connecting downtown St. Paul to Maplewood Mall with 22 stations, bus-only lanes and two new bridges.
The St. Paul City Council voted unanimously to transmit its support for the Metro Bronze Line locally preferred alternative and to ask the Metropolitan Council to advance the project in the regional Transportation Policy Plan.
Liz Jones, Metro Transit engagement lead for the Bronze Line project, presented a high-level overview of the route and outreach work. Jones said the 10-mile project (from Union Depot to Maplewood Mall Transit Center) would include 22 stations, about five miles of bus-only lanes and two new bridges; preliminary design in the southern half of St. Paul is approximately 30% complete while the northern half is at a very early stage.
Jones described community engagement efforts that reached more than 6,000 residents and said the locally preferred alternative was shaped by years of stakeholder input. ‘‘This project serves key East Side and East Metro communities with higher shares of BIPOC residents, 0-car households, older adults and limited-English households,’’ she said.
Vice President Yang thanked Metro Transit staff and expressed strong support for moving the project forward, noting the Bronze Line builds on previous work on the corridor and will bring new investments and improved access to jobs and services on the East Side.
The council closed the public hearing after no public testimony and adopted Resolution 26-64 by roll call (7–0).
Next steps: Metro Transit and partner agencies will continue design and engagement work, while Ramsey County, Maplewood and the Met Council advance resolutions and go through the TPP amendment process. Construction timelines were presented as targeting a start around 2030 with opening around 2032, subject to refinement.
