Light Rail

162 photos · 2012–2026

162 photographs tagged Light Rail, 2012–2026.

Cedar Lake Trail Light Rail Testing Sign in Minneapolis — A sign on the Cedar Lake Trail warning of train testing happening on the new Metro Green Line Extension.

Paved path along Cedar Lake Trail with Bryn Mawr Station and light rail infrastructure visible through morning fog in Minneapolis. — A morning of heavy fog on the Cedar Lake Trail near the Bryn Mawr Station of the new Green Line Extension.:

Metro Transit promotional items including green lanyard, glasses, and medal from Green Line Extension opening announcement event. — Items handed out at the Metro Transit Green Line Extension opening date event at Louisiana Station. Metro Transit says the new train line will open June 12, 2027.

Cyclist with bicycle rides past Metro Transit blue test train near Louisiana Avenue station during Green Line Extension testing. — Biker goes through the Cedar Lake Trail tunnel at Louisiana Station as Metro Transit announces June 12, 2027 as opening date for the Green Line Extension.

Passengers and onlookers gather at Louisiana Station platform beside a Metro Transit light rail vehicle during Green Line — People check out new Metro Green Line Extension trains at Louisiana Station where Metro Transit announced June 12, 2027 as it's opening date.

St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed speaks at podium announcing Metro Transit Green Line Extension opening date. — St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed speaks at an event announcing the opening date of the new Metro Transit Green Line Extension light rail line. Metro Transit held the event at the new Louisiana Avenue Station in St Louis Park and says the new line will be running on June 12, 2027.

Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene speaks at Louisiana Avenue Station during Metro Transit Green Line Extension opening — Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene speaks at an event announcing the opening date of the new Metro Transit Green Line Extension light rail line. Metro Transit held the event at the new Louisiana Avenue Station in St Louis Park and says the new line will be running on June 12, 2027.

Person wearing white sweatshirt with yellow Metro Transit Green Line Extension graphic promoting transit expansion. — A Metro Transit Is Moving Forward sweatshirt at the Metro Transit event announcing the opening date of the Green Line Extension.

Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando speaks at a podium announcing the Metro Transit Green Line Extension opening date at — Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando speaks at an event announcing the opening date of the new Metro Transit Green Line Extension light rail line. Metro Transit held the event at the new Louisiana Avenue Station in St Louis Park and says the new line will be running on June 12, 2027.

Two people unveil a banner announcing the Metro Transit Green Line Extension opening date of June 12, 2027. — Metro Transit announces June 12, 2027 as the opening date of the new Metro Green Line Extension train line. The train line has been decades in development and is the largest public works project in Minnesota history.

Metro Transit Green Line Extension tracks and overhead catenary wires illuminated at night in Minneapolis's Kenilworth Corridor. — The Kenilworth Corridor carries freight and light-rail traffic through a narrow right-of-way linking Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes area to downtown. Metro Transit's Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, runs through this corridor on its way between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie. The overhead catenary wires seen along the tracks supply 750 volts of direct current to power the line's electric trains. Retaining walls were built along sections of the corridor to separate the rail line from adjacent bike and pedestrian trails that share the same narrow strip of land.

Cyclist rides past yellow Metro Transit sign announcing Green Line Extension opening date event on September 26. — A sign mentioning a September 26, 2026 event where Metro Transit will announce the opening date of the Green Line Extension. The project has been almost ten years in the making.

Metro Transit test train 313A operates on the Green Line Extension tracks near Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Test Train 313A moves between Royalston Ave and Bryn Mawr Station on the new Green Line Extension route. The new train line is set to open in 2027 after almost a decade of construction.

Metro Transit test train 313A operates on Green Line Extension tracks near Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Test Train 313A moves between Royalston Ave and Bryn Mawr Station on the new Green Line Extension route. The new train line is set to open in 2027 after almost a decade of construction.

Metro Transit test train 313A approaches Royalston Station during Green Line Extension testing in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Test Train 313A moves between Royalston Ave and Bryn Mawr Station on the new Green Line Extension route. The new train line is set to open in 2027 after almost a decade of construction.

West Lake Street Station, a new Metro Transit light rail station in Minneapolis, illuminated at night during testing operations. — The West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis. The new train station on the Green Line Extension will have passengers beginning next year. The trains are currently in testing. Above, a Metro Transit bus stops on Lake Street.

West Lake Street Station platform displays safety signage for Metro Transit Green Line Extension light-rail testing in — West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis is shown during pre-opening work on Metro Transit's Green Line Extension, with a safety banner warning that light-rail testing is underway. The station is part of the Southwest LRT project, an extension of the Green Line that will connect Minneapolis with St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. The train line is set to begin running in 2027.

Rail tie plate marked 2-2768T for Southwest LRT light rail construction in Minneapolis. — This tie plate, stenciled 2-2768T and tagged for car CS2788 Truck 2 West, is part of the rail hardware inventory for the Southwest LRT extension in Minneapolis. The Southwest LRT, known as the Green Line Extension, is a light-rail project run by Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council, linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie over roughly 14.5 miles and 16 stations.

New striping on Midtown Greenway trail in Minneapolis — New striping on the Midtown Greenway near the West Lake Street Station of the new Metro Transit Green Line Extention project.

Illuminated West Lake Street light rail station in Minneapolis during snowfall at dusk. — 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.

Railroad crossing sign in front of illuminated Bassett Creek Valley Station during Metro Transit green line extension — A railroad crossing sign stands in front of the new Bassett Creek Valley Station in Minneapolis at dusk. The station is part of the still under construction Metro Transit green line extension that will connect Eden Prairie to Downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul. The new train line is set to open in 2027.

West Lake Street light rail station illuminated at night during Metro Transit Green Line Extension construction in Minneapolis. — West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis on a November evening. The train station is part of the still under construction Metro Transit green line extension that will connect Eden Prairie to Downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul. The new train line is set to open in 2027.

Aurora borealis displays above West 21st Street light rail station under construction in Minneapolis. — A very rare sight as the Northern Lights were visible in the city of Minneapolis in the early evening of November 11, 2025. Shown here above the new West 21st Street light rail train station. The train station is near hidden beach and part of the still under construction Metro Transit green line extension that will connect Eden Prairie to Downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul. The new train line is set to open in 2027.

Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension curves through autumn forests and residential neighborhoods between Cedar Lake — The new rails of the Metro Transit Southwest LRT green line extension. Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake.

Metro Transit light rail vehicle crosses Kenilworth Channel bridge during Southwest LRT extension testing in Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail vehicle crosses the Kenilworth Channel bridge in Minneapolis during testing for the Southwest LRT extension. The train is wrapped with safety and construction messaging, including “Opens 2027,” identifying it as part of the Green Line Extension project. The bridge carries the new line over the channel through the Kenilworth corridor, where test runs are used to check vehicle operation and route readiness before passenger service begins.

Metro Light Rail train 108B stopped at Southwest Station in Minneapolis during the evening. — SouthWest Station is a Metro Transit park and ride in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, built in 1994 for bus service into downtown Minneapolis. It is scheduled to become a stop on the Green Line Extension, a light rail line set to open in 2027. The train on display, numbered 108B, carries the extension's branding and a 2027 target date.

Light rail train 108B stopped at Southwest Station platform in Minneapolis during evening hours. — Southwest Station is a stop on Metro Transit's Green Line Extension, a light rail line linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Train 108B waits at the platform here in Eden Prairie.

Light rail train 108B stopped at Southwest Station platform in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. — SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is the western terminus of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension, also called the Southwest LRT. A banner on the train reads "Opens 2027," marking the line's planned start of service. The station platform sits below street level, built to extend light rail service from downtown Minneapolis into the southwest suburbs.

Light rail vehicle enters Kenilworth Tunnel during Southwest LRT Green Line extension testing in Minneapolis. — A light rail vehicle enters the Kenilworth Tunnel on the Southwest LRT Green Line extension in Minneapolis. The image shows the new below-grade tunnel portal and adjacent tracks as testing proceeds on a section of the line built to carry trains through the Kenilworth corridor. Construction on this segment began in 2018, and the extension is projected to open for passenger service in 2027.

Light rail vehicle leaves W Lake St Station for first time — A Southwest LRT test train passes through the West Lake Street Station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Green Line extension, under construction since 2018 and expected to open to passengers in 2027.

Metro Transit light rail vehicle stopped at W 21st Street Station during Southwest LRT clearance testing in Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail vehicle is stopped at W 21st Street Station in Minneapolis during clearance testing for the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension. Station signage for “SouthWest Station” is visible above the platform, and construction fencing remains in place along the right-of-way. The tests verify that trains can safely clear platforms, track infrastructure, and other fixed elements before the new line enters passenger service. The Southwest LRT project extends the regional rail system toward the western suburbs and has been under construction since 2018.

A metal bench sits beside yellow wildflowers and construction fencing along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — New bench installed on the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. The trail was rebuilt following construction of the new green line extension light rail project.

Metro Transit Siemens S700 light rail vehicle 316A passes beneath cable-stayed station canopy during Green Line Extension testing — A Siemens S700 light rail vehicle for Metro Transit’s Green Line Extension passes beneath a cable-stayed station canopy in Minneapolis. The car is wrapped with “Light Rail Testing Happening Now” and GreenLineExt.org graphics promoting public awareness during testing for the Southwest LRT project. The train is identified as car 316A, part of the new fleet ordered for the extension of the Green Line.

Skateboarder rides past Lake Street light rail station under construction on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — The new Lake Street Station, part of the Southwest Light Rail Green Line Extension. The train line which has been under construction for almost a decade is set to open in 2027. The orange station shown here serves Lake Street above and the large amount of residential apartments below. Skateboard seen skating down the Midtown Greenway trail.

Two cyclists ride on Cedar Lake Trail near Bryn Mawr Station during Southwest Light Rail construction in Minneapolis. — Bikers on Cedar Lake Trail near Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis on July 25, 2025.

Bryn Mawr Station illuminated at dusk during final construction of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension in Minneapolis. — Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis is shown during final construction on the Metro Transit Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest LRT project. The station includes a center platform, enclosed ticketing areas, and a pedestrian bridge crossing the tracks, with temporary fencing still in place around unfinished sections. The Green Line Extension is being built to extend light rail service from downtown Minneapolis to communities southwest of the city, adding Bryn Mawr as one of the new intermediate stations on the route.

Fencing around Kenilworth Tunnel construction in Minneapolis — Construction fencing lines a section of the Midtown Greenway corridor in Minneapolis during work associated with the Southwest Light Rail Transit project. The barriers separate the trail from an active construction area tied to the Kenilworth Tunnel, a grade-separated segment built to carry Green Line Extension trains through the Kenilworth corridor. The Southwest LRT project, now the Green Line Extension, is intended to connect Minneapolis with St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie.

Metro Transit light rail train departing Downtown Minneapolis at sunset with skyline in background. — A Metro Transit light rail train departs Downtown Minneapolis at sunset. The Blue Line, the first segment, commenced operations in 2004, followed by the Green Line in 2014.

Lake Street Station in Minneapolis with downtown obscured by wildfire smoke. — Lake Street Station in Minneapolis is part of Metro Transit's Southwest light rail line. Canadian wildfire smoke hangs over the city, reducing the visibility of the downtown skyline beyond the station.

Hynes Convention Center station platform on the MBTA Green Line in Boston, showing green support columns and yellow safety stripe. — Hynes Convention Center station sits on the MBTA Green Line in Boston's Back Bay, named for the adjacent convention center at 900 Boylston Street. The platform serves westbound trolleys toward Kenmore Square and the B, C, and D branches beyond. It's one of the system's older stops, dating to the original Boylston Street subway extension of the early 20th century, and remains at street level below Newbury and Boylston streets rather than deep underground like many downtown stations.

Metro Transit light rail train crossing Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis at night. — Metro Transit's light rail system connects downtown Minneapolis with St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs, carrying passengers on the Blue and Green Lines. The Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue station serves as a key downtown stop, positioned near First Avenue and the district's cluster of bars, restaurants, and music venues.

Cedar Lake Trail and Bryn Mawr Station, Metro Green Line — The Cedar Lake Trail leading to the Bryn Mawr Green Line station. The new station is part of the new extension that will connect Eden Prairie with St. Paul.

Metro Green Line Bryn Mawr Station Sign — A sign near the Bryn Mawr Staton on the Metro Green Line Extension that connects Eden Prairie to St. Paul.

New Metro Green Line Extension rails in Minneapolis — Rail construction near the Bryn Mawr Station on the Metro Green Line Extension. The project connects Eden Prairie to St. Paul via light rail.

Bryn Mawr Station platform under construction for the Metro Transit Green Line Extension in Minneapolis at sunset. — Bryn Mawr Station in Minneapolis is shown at sunset. This station is a part of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Metro Transit Blue Line train stopped at Cedar Riverside Station in Minneapolis with passengers boarding at night. — A Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train is stopped at the Cedar Riverside Station in Minneapolis. Opened in 2004 as the Hiawatha Line, the Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis with Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and the Mall of America.

Royalston Avenue station platform under construction for the Minneapolis Green Line Extension light rail project. — Construction is underway for the Royalston Avenue/Farmers Market Station, a key component of the Green Line Extension project in Minneapolis.

Light rail track switches under construction at sunset along the METRO Green Line Extension in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. — Construction of the METRO Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project, is underway in St. Louis Park, MN. This expansion aims to connect St. Paul and Eden Prairie, enhancing public transportation options in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The project involves significant infrastructure development, including new tracks, stations, and bridges, to integrate light rail service into the existing transit network.

Southwest Light Rail Transit tunnel construction equipment and barriers visible from the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — Construction is underway on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Minneapolis, as seen from the Midtown Greenway. This extensive infrastructure project aims to connect Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie via a new light rail line.

Paved recreational trail with shelter structure and wooden fencing at sunset along Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — The re-opened Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail that was closed for years due to light rail construction.

Excavated light rail tunnel construction site with red and white building and Minneapolis skyline in background. — Construction is underway on the Kenilworth LRT Tunnel in Minneapolis, a key component of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line) extension.

Downtown Minneapolis from new Green Line Train Extension — The Minneapolis skyline is illuminated at dusk, with Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, prominently visible in the foreground. The stadium, completed in 2010, is a central feature of the North Loop neighborhood.

Minnesota Vikings and Metro Transit — Metro Transit’s Light Rail Support Facility on Franklin Avenue in South Minneapolis. The facility is home the staff and equipment for the Green Line.

New Green Line train at support facility — A new Green Line train that's currently running on the Blue Line at the Metro Transit’s Light Rail Support Facility on Franklin Avenue in South Minneapolis. The facility is home the staff and equipment for the Green Line.

Metro Transit light rail train at the support facility — Metro Transit’s Light Rail Support Facility on Franklin Avenue in South Minneapolis. The facility is home the staff and equipment for the Green Line.

Pedestrians gather outside Sneaky Pete's bar on a Minneapolis street at night with neon signage and a light rail station visible. — The Minneapolis Warehouse District buzzes with activity at night, as patrons gather outside Sneaky Pete's Ultimate Fun Bar + Grill.

Multilingual welcome mural with greetings in multiple languages illuminated at Cedar-Riverside LRT station in Minneapolis. — A multi-language welcome mural brightens a wall at the Cedar Riverside LRT station in South Minneapolis. The mural features greetings in languages including Hmong, Somali, Arabic, and Spanish.

Big crowds waiting for Downtown Minneapolis trains — Crowds gather at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Light Rail Transit (LRT) station in Downtown Minneapolis on the evening of April 6.

Bassett Creek Valley Light Rail Transit station illuminated at dusk during final construction in Minneapolis. — The Bassett Creek Valley Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station in Minneapolis, photographed in March 2024, is part of the Southwest LRT Green Line Extension project.

TRIP Outreach workers engage with riders on the platform at Warehouse District/Hennepin Station in downtown Minneapolis. — TRIP Outreach workers engage with riders at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Station, a key Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop in downtown Minneapolis. TRIP Outreach workers on the platform.

Miller Station platform in Gary, Indiana with electrified light rail tracks and protective canopy. — Miller Station serves as a stop along an electrified light rail corridor, identifiable by the overhead catenary wires strung along the tracks. The platform is marked for Track 1, a multi-track alignment built to accommodate trains running in both directions. Canopies with structural steel framing shelter waiting passengers along the platform's length, a common design feature on modern light rail systems built for weather protection and rider comfort.

Prospect Park Metro Transit Train Station — The Prospect Park light rail station in Minneapolis serves the Prospect Park neighborhood, providing public transit access along the Metro Transit Green Line. Opened in 2014, the Green Line connects downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul.

Welders work on rail infrastructure at night during Southwest LRT Green Line extension construction in Minneapolis. — The Southwest LRT Green Line extension is a light-rail project adding roughly 14.5 miles of track between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, with new stations planned through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council are overseeing the build, which has faced repeated delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2018. Night and weekend shifts are common on the line, since crews often need to weld and place rail sections along active freight corridors and street rights-of-way without disrupting daytime traffic. Once complete, the extension will connect to the existing Green Line, giving Eden Prairie and Hopkins a direct rail link into downtown Minneapolis.

Southwest Station light rail tracks under construction in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with Metro Transit signage visible on brick — Construction of light rail tracks is underway at Southwest Station in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The station's signage reads "SWF SOUTHWEST TRANSIT" and features the Metro Transit logo. This image documents the progress of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project, a significant expansion of public transportation in the Twin Cities. The new line will connect Eden Prairie to Minneapolis, enhancing regional connectivity and transit options for commuters.

Metro Transit Cedar-Riverside light rail station platform at night in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Cedar–Riverside station in South Minneapolis in August 2023.

Green Line Extension Concrete Plant in Minneapolis — Covered conveyor belts transport materials into a concrete batching plant along the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) corridor in Minneapolis. The plant was located in Linden Yards near the Cedar Lake Trail.

Kenilworth Tunnel Construction Sign for Green Line Extension — A Lunda/C.S. McCrossan JV sign directing workers to the Kenilworth Tunnel in Minneapolis. The tunnel is part of the Metro Transit Green line Extension Light Rail project.

Red bicycle and pedestrian detour sign stands among overgrown vegetation along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — Nature taking back a trail after it was closed for Light Rail train construction.

Workers construct elevated platform structures for Bryn Mawr Station on Minneapolis's Southwest Light Rail Transit line. — Bryn Mawr Station is under construction along the Cedar Lake Trail corridor in Minneapolis as part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line) extension. Operated by Metro Transit under Metropolitan Council oversight, the new line will connect downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie and other western suburbs. Steel framing and elevated platform structures mark the station's progress within the broader 14.5-mile light rail expansion project.

South Minneapolis Southwest LRT construction along the Kenilworth Trail rail corridor. — Construction along the Southwest LRT corridor in South Minneapolis. The project runs on the former freight rail alignment through the Kenilworth neighborhood and links downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie.

Beyonce Wrapped Train in Minneapolis — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

Light rail train with a Beyonce wrap on it — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

Beyonce train wrap on a Metro Transit Light Rail Train — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

Taylor Swift fans wait to board light rail train in Minneapolis — Fans of musician Taylor Swift gather at a Metro Transit light rail station in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The transit system serves the Twin Cities metropolitan area, providing public transportation via light rail, bus, and commuter rail.

Violence interrupters on LRT train — City of Minneapolis Violence Interrupters rode a Metro Transit light rail train near US Bank Stadium on June 23, 2023. The train was adorned with a large advertisement featuring performer Beyoncé.

Construction crane and excavated tunnel site along Kenilworth Trail during Southwest Light Rail Transit project in Minneapolis. — The Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) line runs through a below-grade corridor along the Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis, connecting the city to Eden Prairie via Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park. Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit oversees the project, which required excavating a shallow tunnel section through the narrow Kenilworth corridor to avoid disrupting the adjacent bike and pedestrian trail.

Light rail train and hazy wildfire skies in Minneapolis — A Metro Transit Light Rail train bound for the Mall of America travels through Minneapolis under a sky choked with smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Government Plaza light rail station entrance in downtown Minneapolis with boarded windows and yellow chain barriers at night. — Government Plaza LRT station in downtown Minneapolis.

Two Metro Transit blue and yellow light rail trains on parallel tracks in Minneapolis with brick buildings behind. — Metro Transit light rail trains operate on tracks in downtown Minneapolis, connecting the city with surrounding areas. The Blue Line, visible here, began service in 2004, providing a vital link between Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Mall of America, and downtown Minneapolis.

Trash and debris litter railroad tracks at Cedar-Riverside LRT station in Minneapolis at night. — Discarded needles and trash line the tracks at the Cedar-Riverside LRT station.

Metro Transit light rail train passes Cedar Riverside Station with historic brick buildings and apartment complex in Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail train, operated by the Metropolitan Council, passes through Cedar Riverside Station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Blue and Green Lines, connecting residents to various parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The surrounding area, including the Riverside Plaza apartment complex visible in the background, has been a significant site for community development and cultural events.

Mystic Lake wrapped light rail train and Sneaky Petes bar in Downtown Minneapolis — A light rail train branded for the Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel stops at the Warehouse District-Hennepin station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Green Line, which connects downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is a popular transit point for events in the Warehouse District.

Metro Transit blue line light rail train travels through downtown Minneapolis warehouse district near fifth street. — A METRO Blue Line light rail train travels through the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis. Operated by Metro Transit, the Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport via the Hiawatha corridor.

Metro Transit Blue Line train on an elevated track in Minneapolis after rain. — A Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train operates on an elevated track in Minneapolis. Opened in 2004, the Blue Line connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with extensions serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and northern suburbs. This elevated segment provides a dedicated right-of-way, ensuring efficient transit operations above street traffic. The light rail system is a crucial element of public transportation in the Twin Cities, linking residential areas with business districts and cultural attractions.

Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train approaching E 26th Street grade crossing in Minneapolis with signal equipment and wet pavement. — A METRO Blue Line light rail train approaches the E 26th Street grade crossing near downtown Minneapolis. The Blue Line, operated by Metro Transit, connects downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport along a corridor of shared rail and street-level crossings.

Franklin Avenue light rail station in South Minneapolis with a squad car — The Franklin Avenue Light Rail station in Minneapolis is a key stop on the Metro Transit Green Line. Opened in 2014 as part of the Central Corridor project, the station serves as a vital link connecting residents and visitors to various parts of the city.

Target Field Station's illuminated sign above the platform canopy in downtown Minneapolis at night. — Target Field Station in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a transit hub next to Target Field that connects the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines with Northstar Commuter Rail and bus service. Opened in 2009 as part of the ballpark and transit redevelopment in the North Loop area, the station was built to handle both daily riders and large game-day crowds for Minnesota Twins home games.

Construction site for Kenilworth Light Rail Transit tunnel under bridge in Minneapolis. — Construction along the Midtown Greenway of what will become the Kenilworth Tunnel and West Lake Street Station. The construction is part of the METRO Green Line Extension light rail project.

West Bank Light Rail Transit station platform in Minneapolis at night with blue train cars and overhead lighting. — The West Bank LRT platform in Minneapolis in the winter of 2022.

Aerial view of snow-covered residential neighborhood with Southwest LRT tunnel construction site in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Tunnel is part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension, a 14.5-mile addition to the Metro Green Line connecting Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. The tunnel runs beneath the Kenilworth Corridor, a narrow strip of land separating the Kenwood and East Isles neighborhoods that also carries freight rail and a popular multi-use trail. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council oversee the project, which has faced repeated delays and cost increases since construction began in 2019.

Jack Daniel's ad wraps a Minneapolis light rail train beside Cedar Riverside apartments. — A Metro Transit light rail train in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is wrapped with an advertisement for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. The train features prominent imagery of the brand's iconic bottles, including Tennessee Fire, Tennessee Honey, and Tennessee Apple. In the background, the Cedar Riverside apartment buildings, known for their distinctive modernist architecture and colorful window accents, are visible.

Metro Transit light rail train approaching Cedar-Riverside Station with Riverside Plaza residential towers in downtown Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail train crosses Interstate 35W approaching the Cedar-Riverside Station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Blue and Green Lines and sits adjacent to the Riverside Plaza high-rise complex, a distinctive Brutalist housing development completed in 1973.

Government Plaza light rail station entrance in downtown Minneapolis with boarded-up glass panels and protective chain barriers. — Government Plaza Station serves the Blue and Green Line light rail routes in downtown Minneapolis, operated by Metro Transit. Located near the Hennepin County Government Center, the stop provides connections toward St. Paul, the Mall of America, and Target Field. The entrance shown here was boarded up along its glass panels during a period of civil unrest in the city in 2021.

New Siemens light rail vehicle wrapped in protective covering on Metro Transit Blue Line tracks in Minneapolis. — A newly delivered Siemens light rail vehicle sits wrapped in protective covering on the Metro Transit Blue Line tracks in Minneapolis. The car is part of an order of new LRVs built to expand and modernize the region's light rail fleet, which serves the Hiawatha corridor and connects to planned Southwest LRT service.

Metro Transit light rail train in motion passes Minneapolis City Hall during exterior renovation work. — A METRO light rail train passes Minneapolis City Hall in downtown Minneapolis, which was undergoing exterior renovation and scaffolding work at the time.

Metro Transit light rail train passes security fencing along South 5th Street near US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis during winter. — A Metro Transit light rail train passes along South 5th Street near US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. This stretch of track serves the METRO Blue and Green Lines, connecting downtown to the stadium, Nicollet Mall, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Government Plaza station entrance in downtown Minneapolis with plywood barriers and Metro Transit platform signage. — Government Plaza station in downtown Minneapolis serves Metro Transit Blue and Green Line trains. The platform signage directs riders toward St. Paul and the Mall of America. Plywood barriers were installed around parts of the station area in February 2021 during heightened security measures tied to the Derek Chauvin trial.

City Hall train station in Minneapolis — Government Plaza station serves as a key transit hub for the Green Line and Blue Line light rail services in downtown Minneapolis. Opened in 2004, the station is situated beneath the plaza of the same name, connecting commuters and visitors to the heart of the city's business and government district. Pictured here during COVID-19 shutdowns.

Target Field Station light rail transit hub glows with purple lighting at night in downtown Minneapolis. — Target Field Station opened in 2014 as the transit hub serving Target Field and the North Loop. It's a stop on both the METRO Green Line and Blue Line, connecting downtown Minneapolis to St. Paul, the airport, and Mall of America. A public plaza next to the station hosts pregame gatherings before Twins games.

Boarded Starbucks storefront at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis at night with neon signage visible. — A boarded Starbucks at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis is shown at the corner of South Marquette Avenue beside the METRO light rail platform.

Construction site under highway overpass for Minneapolis Metro Green Line West Lake Street station. — The Midtown Greenway runs along a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor that was converted into a pedestrian and bicycle trail beginning in 2000, stretching roughly 5.5 miles through south Minneapolis between the Mississippi River and Chowen Avenue. Lake Street crosses the Greenway on a concrete overpass that also marks the site of the planned West Lake Street Station for the METRO Green Line Extension, part of the Southwest LRT project linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. The extension, overseen by the Metropolitan Council, adds roughly 14.5 miles of new light rail track and 16 stations to the regional transit system. Work at this site has involved excavation and grading beneath the bridge to prepare the below-grade station area, consistent with the project's design of routing trains through a trench along this section of the corridor.

Southwest LRT construction site along Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis with excavated earth and railroad tracks. — The Kenilworth Corridor carries freight rail, the Kenilworth bike and walking trail, and now the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension through a narrow strip of land between the Chain of Lakes and the Cedar Isles neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Council's Southwest LRT project, known as the Green Line Extension, runs nearly 14.5 miles from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie and adds 16 new stations. The trail recently cleared and being used for construction staging.

Warehouse District/Hennepin Station platform blocked with caution tape in downtown Minneapolis. — Warehouse District/Hennepin Station in downtown Minneapolis has caution tape blocking part of the METRO light rail platform. Signs for the Blue Line and Green Line are posted under the station canopy. The station serves trains through the Warehouse District on 5th Street in the city center.

Metro Transit light rail vehicle stationed at a maintenance facility in south Minneapolis at night. — A Metro Transit light rail vehicle sits outside a maintenance and storage facility in South Minneapolis. The building services light rail cars operating on the METRO system, which includes the Blue and Green Lines connecting Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs.

Metro Transit Blue Line train at Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station in Minneapolis at dusk. — The Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station serves Metro Transit's METRO Blue Line, which runs between downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington via Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The line opened in 2004 as the region's first light rail line, originally branded the Hiawatha Line. This station sits along Hennepin Avenue in the Warehouse District, a neighborhood of former wholesale and manufacturing buildings that now houses bars, theaters, and offices.

Shattered doors and windows at Lake Street/Midtown station in Minneapolis. — Damage to the entrance of the Lake Street/Midtown light rail station in Minneapolis is visible on May 28, 2020, with shattered glass in the doors and station windows. Operated by Metro Transit, the station is part of the Blue Line and serves the Lake Street corridor in south Minneapolis. The damage occurred during the third day of unrest in the city after the killing of George Floyd.

Shattered window at Lake Street/Midtown Station in Minneapolis, with broken glass on the sidewalk. — Lake Street/Midtown Station in Minneapolis stands with a shattered ground-floor window on May 28, 2020. The Metro Transit light rail station sustained visible damage during the third day of unrest in the city after the killing of George Floyd. Broken glass remains on the sidewalk outside the station entrance, where signage for the transit facility is still visible.

Red steel bridge structure under construction over Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park at dusk. — This bridge carries the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension, also known as the Green Line Extension, over Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. The project adds roughly 14.5 miles of track connecting downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, with stops planned throughout St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. The Metropolitan Council oversees construction, which involves building new bridges and retaining walls along the corridor to carry trains over existing roads and rail lines.

Construction of the Cedar Lake Trail tunnel under Wooddale Avenue in St. Louis Park at night. — The Cedar Lake Trail tunnel carries the regional bike and pedestrian path beneath Wooddale Avenue in St. Louis Park. The trail connects Minneapolis's Kenilworth corridor to the western suburbs, following a former railroad right-of-way. This segment was rebuilt as part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, which required reconstructing Wooddale Avenue and its crossing structures to accommodate the new Green Line extension.

Cedar-Riverside Blue Line station platform at night in Minneapolis with yellow safety edge and rail tracks. — Cedar-Riverside Station sits along Metro Transit's Blue Line, formerly the Hiawatha Line, which opened in 2004 as the region's first light-rail route. The station serves the Cedar-Riverside and West Bank neighborhoods, just south of downtown Minneapolis and adjacent to the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus. The Blue Line runs roughly 12 miles between downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, and the Mall of America in Bloomington. Metro Transit operates the line with trains arriving every 7 to 10 minutes during peak service hours.

Cedar-Riverside light rail station platform sign in Minneapolis directing passengers to downtown via the Blue Line. — Cedar-Riverside Station serves the METRO Blue and Green Lines in Minneapolis, adjacent to the West Bank neighborhood and University of Minnesota. Opened in 2004 as part of the original Hiawatha Line, it sits near Augsburg University and the Cedar-Riverside residential towers, an area historically home to a large East African immigrant community.

Empty platform at Target Field Station, a Minneapolis METRO light rail stop in the North Loop neighborhood. — Target Field Station sits in the North Loop neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis, serving as a stop on the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines. The station connects riders to Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, and links the North Loop to downtown Minneapolis and the broader METRO system.

Warehouse District/Hennepin light rail station on North 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, empty during early morning hours. — Warehouse District/Hennepin Station sits on North 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, one of the stops serving Metro Transit's METRO Blue and Green Line trains. The station connects riders to downtown St. Paul and the Mall of America along one route, and to the Warehouse District's bars, theaters, and entertainment venues at street level. Metro Transit operates the regional light rail system, which opened its first line in 2004. This platform recorded far lower ridership in late March 2020, after Minnesota's statewide stay-at-home order took effect during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue light rail station platform in downtown Minneapolis with directional signs to St. Paul. — The Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station serves the METRO Blue and Green Lines in downtown Minneapolis, connecting riders to Target Field, St. Paul, and the Mall of America. Located near the Warehouse District entertainment area on 5th Street, the station provides transit access to nearby bars, clubs, and Target Field Station.

Nicollet Mall light rail station platform stretches empty at night during early COVID-19 pandemic closures in downtown — Nicollet Mall Station serves Metro Transit's Blue and Green Line trains along the transit mall in downtown Minneapolis. The Blue Line opened in 2004 as the region's first light rail line, running between downtown and the Mall of America; the Green Line, connecting downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul, began service in 2014. The station sits along Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian and transit corridor that has restricted private vehicle traffic since the 1960s. Overhead signage points riders toward Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, a short walk to the north. This dates to late March 2020, during the early weeks of Minnesota's COVID-19 stay-at-home order, when ridership on the system dropped sharply from pre-pandemic levels.

Sneaky Petes during covid19 stay at home orders — Sneaky Pete’s Bar at 14 N. 5th St. in downtown Minneapolis stands dark beside a METRO light rail platform on March 28, 2020, the first night of Minnesota’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

Snow-covered light rail tracks and traffic signals in downtown Minneapolis during a winter storm. — The METRO Blue and Green Line light rail tracks run through downtown Minneapolis along a shared corridor near the Warehouse District. Metro Transit operates the system, which connects downtown to the Mall of America, the airport, and the University of Minnesota. Overhead catenary wires power the trains along fixed rails embedded in the roadway. Snowstorms are common in the region between November and March, and Metro Transit crews use heated switches and de-icing equipment to keep the rail lines operational during winter weather.

Target Field's illuminated sign overlooks downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District with historic brick buildings and modern transit infrastructure at night. — Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, sits at the edge of the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis's North Loop. The ballpark opened in 2010 and stands next to Target Field Station, a transit hub serving the Metro Blue and Green Line light rail along with regional and commuter rail.

Minneapolis Target Field Station with officers on the platform beside a Green Line train and Prince mural. — Minneapolis Target Field Station with Prince Mural and Security. On October 10, 2019, Homeland Security officers were present at the Target Field light rail station in downtown Minneapolis. This increased security presence was in response to a major political rally held at the nearby arena, which prompted heightened security measures throughout the Warehouse District transit corridor. The station serves as a key transit hub, connecting light rail lines to the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Concrete retaining wall along Cedar Lake Trail in St. Louis Park with industrial building and mature trees. — Cedar Lake Trail runs along a former rail corridor connecting the Kenilworth area of Minneapolis to St. Louis Park, used today by cyclists and pedestrians. The trail parallels the alignment of the Metro Green Line Extension, a light rail project linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Construction along this corridor required new retaining walls and the clearing of vegetation to accommodate the rail line. St. Louis Park station is one of several planned stops along this western stretch of the route.

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