E Line Update: May 2019

Via an e-newsletter from Metro Transit:

Metro Transit is planning improvements to the Route 6 corridor with the E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Bus Rapid Transit brings better amenities, faster service and a more comfortable ride. For more information visit the project web page.

Upcoming opportunities to influence where the E Line will travel

Join us at one of the upcoming Open Houses (no formal presentation, come anytime).

• Monday, May 20, 4 – 6 p.m., Southwest High School, Cafeteria
• Tuesday, May 21, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Marcy Open School, Multipurpose Room
• Wednesday, May 22 4 – 6:30 p.m. Walker Library, Bde Maka Ska Room

Learn more about the routing options being advanced for further consideration and some early ideas about connecting bus service. We would like your input.

Northern routing recommendation

Metro Transit staff are recommending that the E Line cross the river from downtown Minneapolis into the Marcy-Holmes and Dinkytown area on 4th Street and University Avenue. This decision was based on current Route 6 ridership, transit supportive land uses, access to regional destinations such as the University of Minnesota, and a large amount of community support. Additional planning work is needed to determine whether the E Line should end at Stadium Village Station or Westgate Station.

Ongoing analysis of southern routing options to Southdale Transit Center

Three routing options are being advanced for the southern portion of the E Line. All three options end at Southdale Transit Center, with routing either on 44th Street to Xerxes Avenue, 44th Street to France Avenue, or Xerxes Avenue to France Avenue via 50th Street. Southdale Transit Center is being recommended as the southern endpoint due to strong community support, integration with the planned and existing bus network, and high ridership at that location. Metro Transit is seeking feedback on which option should be selected for the final E Line routing at the upcoming open houses.

Routing options still under consideration

Chick here to enlarge the map

Future questions & steps

One recommended alignment will be brought to the community and the Metropolitan Council this fall. The recommendation will include some early ideas about station placement and connecting bus service. More detailed planning on station locations and connecting bus service will occur in 2020. Additional engineering will be needed to make the E Line construction ready. Community input is needed and will be sought in every project phase.