Hennepin County approves preliminary design components for Metro Blue Line Extension

Hennepin County’s Works Committee voted to approve the physical design components of the preliminary design plans for the Metro Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit Project following a detailed presentation by Dan Soller, the county’s Director of Transit Mobility.

Soller told commissioners the submitted plans are roughly 30% design and cover critical elements including track alignment, stations, major structures, two park‑and‑ride buildings (Brooklyn Park and Robbinsdale), and an operations and maintenance facility in Brooklyn Park. “It’s about 13.4 miles of new track, the length from Target Field to Northern Brooklyn Park,” Soller said, and described the project as a multi‑billion‑dollar investment that includes extensive roadway reconstruction, utility work and pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

Soller emphasized efforts to minimize displacement and to incorporate community feedback into physical design changes. Commissioner Fernando thanked the project team and corrected the record on outreach: “The only amendment that I would say to your presentation is that it’s tens of thousands. It is not thousands,” he said, underscoring the scale of community engagement. Several commissioners expressed strong support while noting remaining design work and local concerns about tax and traffic impacts; Chair Anderson closed by urging continued attention to future connections and displacement protections. The board voted 'aye' and the item carried; Soller said cities and the county must take municipal consent action by Oct. 10 and noted Brooklyn Park had approved the plans the previous evening.