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Green Line Extension 95% complete; Metro Transit outlines testing, staffing and safety plans ahead of 2027 launch
Summary
Metro Transit staff told the Metropolitan Council the Green Line Extension project is about 95% complete, with civil construction nearly finished and systems testing advancing in phases; operations staff described pre‑revenue testing, staffing targets and community safety partnerships needed before revenue service begins in 2027.
Metro Transit on May 27 briefed the Metropolitan Council on the Green Line Extension, reporting construction progress, testing milestones, workforce readiness and community safety planning ahead of a planned 2027 launch.
Project Director Jim Alexander told the council the overall project is about 95% complete on civil construction and systems milestones such as traction power substations and tunnel houses are installed and powered. He said phase‑by‑phase systems integration testing has begun out west, with the tunnel systems in Minneapolis remaining a principal area of work; staff intend to complete phased testing later this year and move into pre‑revenue testing and operations simulations toward the end of 2026 and into 2027.
Deputy GM and COO Brian Funk described operations readiness: the agency is running non‑standard scenarios, developing contingency plans for incidents, and training staff in maintenance and operating procedures. Funk said Metro Transit is working to fill roughly 250 positions across categories and reported substantial progress in classes for train operators and LRV technicians; staff aim to reach opening‑day staffing targets through ongoing recruitment and training.
General Manager Leslie Canderas summarized community outreach and safety coordination, including familiarization exercises for emergency responders, partnerships with the Metro Transit Police Department and Operation Lifesaver for rail safety messaging, and scheduled community events and presentations along the corridor beginning in June.
Why it matters: The extension will add capacity and connectivity across the region; rigorous testing, staffing and safety planning are necessary to open service safely and reliably.
What’s next: Staff will continue systems integration testing, begin pre‑revenue simulations and recommend a revenue‑service date when testing and staffing readiness warrant it.
