Blue Line shuts down for two months amid $175M track upgrades

The Metro Transit Blue Line will close for nearly two months this summer. The shutdown starts on 29 June and runs until 19 August to allow for major track and equipment upgrades. The $175 million project will replace worn tracks and outdated systems on the Blue Line. Work has been planned for years to fix issues caused by weather damage and age. During the closure, the line’s 12,000 daily passengers will use replacement buses instead.

Buses will serve stops at or near every Blue Line station every 15 minutes. Some stops will shift to Hiawatha Avenue to ease access. Nearly all Blue Line stations will also receive upgrades, including real-time information signs and new shelter glass.

The Green Line will also see partial closures. Service will pause between 1 July and 26 July, then again from 16 August to 19 August. However, the Green Line will return in early August to support summer events. These include Twins and Lynx games, WWE SummerSlam, and concerts by Noah Kahan and Ed Sheeran. The improvements aim to modernise the Blue Line and reduce future disruptions. Passengers will rely on buses until the line reopens in late August. The Green Line’s temporary return will help manage crowds during major events.