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Knox Avenue Option Recommended

The Orange Line preferred route is to travel on Knox Avenue

METRO Orange Line station improvements for American Boulevard are being planned as part of the larger I-494/35W Interchange Vision Layout, led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Over the last year, two potential routes were studied for bus rapid transit through this area:

  • Orange Line would stay on I-35W, stopping at a new two-story median station at American Boulevard, similar to the existing station on I-35W at 46th Street; or 
  • Orange Line would serve two sidewalk-adjacent stations along Knox Avenue through Southtown, via 82nd Street and 76th Street. This option would require connecting Knox Avenue under I-494, and would allow for stations in both Bloomington and Richfield.

After detailed evaluation and public input, the I-494/35W Interchange Technical Advisory Committee recommended the second option to move forward for further study. Routing the Orange Line on Knox Avenue provides a better opportunity to serve existing destinations, and to integrate frequent, reliable transit into a growing neighborhood. This two-station configuration provides several other benefits to the corridor, which are outlined in more detail here.

Designs Developed for 66th & 98th Street Stations

The planned 66th and 98th Street Stations are smaller, neighborhood stations that will cater primarily to walking, biking, and bus transfers.These platforms will have amenities similar to METRO Blue and Red Lines: substanial shelter areas, ticket vending machines, lighting, real time information, push-button heating, and bicycle parking.

Conceptual designs for each station have been developed, and can be found here.

Penn American District Plan Adopted

Cover image from Penn American District Plan

Proposed Orange Line investments complement local planning in the Penn American District, and area along American Boulevard primarily between Penn Avenue and I-35W.

The Penn American District Plan was adopted by the City of Bloomington in January, providing a clear vision to guide future redevelopment and infrastructure investments. Key elements of the Penn American vision include:

  • Adding new, pedestrian-friendly streets and creating smaller development blocks over time;
  • Increasing development intensity and diversifying the mix of land uses;
  • Improving the quality and character of buildings and public spaces;
  • Increasing mobility through targeted improvements to roads, bikeways, and sidewalks; and
  • Leveraging substantial investments in transit and transportation infrastructure.

Transit Service Changes

The following changes were made to I-35W bus service and facilities in early March:

Route 535

  • Route 535 is now rerouted to 94th Street and Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington to serve the Hennepin County Service Center and the VEAP Food Pantry.
  • Route 535C trips is rerouted to 98th Street, James Avenue, 94th Street, and Penn Avenue.
  • Schedule times have be adjusted.

Lake Street at I-35W

  • The northbound shelter on I-35W at Lake was removed because the stop is used only for drop-offs requested during non-peak service.
  • While 125 average daily riders disembark at Lake Street stop northbound, less than 2 people were boarding here daily because of these service restrictions. 
  • Planning and design for the Lake Street Station in the center of I-35W will allow all buses on all I-35W routes to stop here without merging across traffic, improving safety, service, and accessibility.