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I-35W Construction: Ride it out with us!

illustration of the interior of an articulated BRT bus, with customers

Over the next few months, construction activities will increase as part of MnDOT's 35W@94 project, including major impacts to bus service in the corridor. Starting in June, many routes will be detoured off of I-35W onto neighborhood streets.

What should I do as a regular bus rider?

  • Sign up to receive Rider Alerts by text or email regarding your particular route. Stay in the know so you can plan accordingly as construction continues.
     
  • Know your route detour and any changes to where you board. Most bus detours will begin in June. Some detours, including on Routes 2 and 23, have already begun.
     
  • Learn about additional bus service and park and ride options on metrotransit.org/35W. Starting on June 9, additional trips will be added to express bus routes serving south Minneapolis, Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, and Lakeville, to help provide more options for people traveling through the construction zone.
     
  • For I-35W routes operated by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, visit mvta.com for the most current information.
     
  • Try alternate work strategies during the work week: starting work earlier or later, work from home or remote office at least one day a week, or use your bike to reach a bus or train. All buses and trains have bike racks.
     
  • If you have questions, or would like assistance in planning your trip, call our Transit Information Center at 612-373-3333.

Transit programs get funding boost under new bill

On March 23, the President signed an omnibus package that provides a total of $2.64 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, including $400 million dedicated to Small Starts projects like METRO Orange Line. This funding is a significant increase over what has been allocated for the transit program in recent years. 

The Orange Line has been developing design and engineering plans within the competitive Small Starts program since 2015. Working closely with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Metro Transit is seeking Small Starts funds for the Orange Line project this year. FTA and Congress will still need to determine which projects will receive these funds for fiscal year 2018.