Return to: U of M Home
The Central Corridor is a segment of the regional transit network that will link three of the greatest traffic generators in the region: downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and downtown St. Paul. The Central Corridor light rail transit (LRT) line is an above ground train system that will run from downtown St. Paul, past the Minnesota State Capitol, along University Avenue, through Minnesota's Research Corridor on the University's East Bank,onto the West Bank, and will end in connection with the Hiawatha line downtown Minneapolis.
The Metropolitan Council is responsible for design and construction of the line. They are also heading up the Central Corridor project team in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, and the University of Minnesota. The University is advocating for the development of reasonable and creative solutions that will best serve students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Twin Cities campus.
In 2006, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared in coordination with the University. A DEIS is a public document prepared to provide information about the design, benefits, and costs of proposed transportation improvements. It also allows for the examination of social, economic, transportation, and environmental impacts that may result from the implementation of a project. In late 2008, development began on a final environmental impact statement (FEIS). Once approved by other FTA, the project will move into final design.
As currently proposed, the project has an estimated cost of $914.8 million. If approved, FTA will fund 50 percent of the capital costs. The other 50 percent will be paid with state and county funds: the metro county transit sales tax will provide 30 percent of the cost, the state will provide 10 percent, Ramsey will provide 7 percent and the remaining 3 percent will be provided by Hennepin County.
The University’s budget will not be affected by the cost of the Central Corridor line.
