METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT)

Testing and construction on the METRO Green Line Extension, Minneapolis

October 5, 2025 - December 9, 2025

The METRO Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest LRT, is a major light rail project in Minneapolis and its western suburbs. Construction began in 2018 to extend Green Line service westward, with passenger operations planned for 2027. This photo set documents clearance and systems testing across key segments, including the Kenilworth Tunnel and Kenilworth Channel bridge, and stations such as West Lake Street, West 21st Street, Southwest Station, and Bassett Creek Valley.

The extension is intended to connect communities and provide efficient public transportation in the region. Clearance tests confirm train envelopes, platform spacing, and structure interfaces before public service, reflecting the integration of new Siemens S700 light rail vehicles. Engineering features like the tunnel and channel crossing allow the line to traverse constrained corridors while meeting safety and reliability requirements.

Southwest Station functions as a transit hub along the corridor, while stations at West Lake Street, West 21st Street, and Bassett Creek Valley serve nearby neighborhoods and transfer points. Night construction and station finishing progressed alongside test runs in late 2025, preparing the line for passenger service targeted for 2027. The extension is designed to integrate with Metro Transit’s existing network to expand rail access in the Minneapolis area.

Really pretty snow tonight in Minneapolis. Here's the new West Lake Street train station, with the orange still continuing to grow on me. I'm not there yet.. but getting closer.
December 9, 2025 — Really pretty snow tonight in Minneapolis. Here's the new West Lake Street train station, with the orange still continuing to grow on me. I'm not there yet.. but getting closer.
Lit up Bassett Creek Valley Station in Minneapolis. The new train station is part of the Southwest LRT Green Line extension operated by Metro Transit.
November 14, 2025 — Lit up Bassett Creek Valley Station in Minneapolis. The new train station is part of the Southwest LRT Green Line extension operated by Metro Transit.
Construction of the West Lake Street Station, a component of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension), is underway at night. This project extends Metro Transit's Green Line LRT, connecting Minneapolis to surrounding communities. The station's modern design features prominent red supports and illuminated orange panels, highlighting its contemporary architectural approach. The development represents a significant investment in public transportation infrastructure for the Minneapolis region.
November 13, 2025 — Construction of the West Lake Street Station, a component of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension), is underway at night. This project extends Metro Transit's Green Line LRT, connecting Minneapolis to surrounding communities. The…
Vivid northern lights over the West 21st Street train station in Minneapolis.
November 11, 2025 — Vivid northern lights over the West 21st Street train station in Minneapolis.
A Metro train, marked "Green Line Extension" and "2027," is stopped at Southwest Station. The "2027" designation likely refers to the planned completion year for the Green Line Extension project, a significant transit development aimed at expanding public transportation access in the region. Southwest Station serves as a key hub for this network, facilitating commuter travel and connecting various parts of the metropolitan area. The train's livery, a combination of green and yellow, is characteristic of the local transit authority's branding.
October 14, 2025 — A Metro train, marked "Green Line Extension" and "2027," is stopped at Southwest Station. The "2027" designation likely refers to the planned completion year for the Green Line Extension project, a significant transit development aimed at…
A light rail train, numbered 108B, is stopped at the Southwest Station platform. The station features a digital display indicating "SOUTHWEST STATION: TRACK 2" and "8:50 PM", suggesting it is operational during evening hours. The train's distinctive yellow and green livery is visible, along with safety bollards and ticket signage, indicating a functional public transportation hub. Southwest Station is a key stop on the light rail network, facilitating transit for commuters and visitors within the urban environment.
October 14, 2025 — A light rail train, numbered 108B, is stopped at the Southwest Station platform. The station features a digital display indicating "SOUTHWEST STATION: TRACK 2" and "8:50 PM", suggesting it is operational during evening hours. The train's…
A light rail train, number 108B, is stopped at Southwest Station. This station serves as a transit hub for the region, facilitating commuter travel and connecting various parts of the metropolitan area. The train, part of the Metro Transit system, is designed for efficient urban transportation. Southwest Station's infrastructure includes platforms, tracks, and signaling systems that support the daily operation of the light rail network.
October 14, 2025 — A light rail train, number 108B, is stopped at Southwest Station. This station serves as a transit hub for the region, facilitating commuter travel and connecting various parts of the metropolitan area. The train, part of…
A light rail vehicle undergoes clearance testing at the West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis, marking a significant step in the development of the Southwest LRT line. Construction on this extension began in 2018, with its opening to passengers anticipated in 2027. This testing ensures the safe passage of trains through the station and along the new route, a crucial phase before public service commences. The Southwest LRT project aims to expand public transportation options in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
October 14, 2025 — A light rail vehicle undergoes clearance testing at the West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis, marking a significant step in the development of the Southwest LRT line. Construction on this extension began in 2018, with its…
A light rail vehicle undergoes clearance testing in the Kenilworth Tunnel on the Southwest LRT Green Line extension in Minneapolis. Construction on this segment began in 2018, with the line projected to open to passengers in 2027. The tunnel is a critical piece of infrastructure for the expansion, designed to integrate the new light rail line into the existing urban environment.
October 14, 2025 — A light rail vehicle undergoes clearance testing in the Kenilworth Tunnel on the Southwest LRT Green Line extension in Minneapolis. Construction on this segment began in 2018, with the line projected to open to passengers in…
A light rail vehicle undergoes testing on the Kenilworth Channel bridge in Minneapolis, part of the Southwest LRT expansion. Construction on this green line extension began in 2018, with passenger service anticipated to commence in 2027. The testing ensures proper clearance and operational readiness for the new transit line, which aims to connect communities and provide efficient public transportation.
October 14, 2025 — A light rail vehicle undergoes testing on the Kenilworth Channel bridge in Minneapolis, part of the Southwest LRT expansion. Construction on this green line extension began in 2018, with passenger service anticipated to commence in 2027…
A Metro Transit light rail vehicle undergoes a clearance test at the W 21st Street Station in Minneapolis. This test was a crucial step in the construction of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, an expansion project that began in 2018. The Southwest LRT is intended to extend service to the western suburbs of Minneapolis and is slated for passenger operation in 2027. The testing ensures that the new vehicles can safely navigate the tracks and stations along the extended route.
October 14, 2025 — A Metro Transit light rail vehicle undergoes a clearance test at the W 21st Street Station in Minneapolis. This test was a crucial step in the construction of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, an…
Real colorful sunset above the Martin Olav Sabo bridge over Haiwatha Avenue in South Minneapolis.
October 5, 2025 — Real colorful sunset above the Martin Olav Sabo bridge over Haiwatha Avenue in South Minneapolis.
Siemens Type III S700 with Light Rail Happening Now testing wrap. The train car will be part of the new Southwest LRT Green Line Extension set to open in 2017.
October 5, 2025 — Siemens Type III S700 with Light Rail Happening Now testing wrap. The train car will be part of the new Southwest LRT Green Line Extension set to open in 2017.
Built in Minneapolis
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