Metro Transit announced an extension of the Gold Line to Downtown Minneapolis yesterday. The Gold Line, which will open next year, was originally planned to run between Woodbury to Downtown Saint Paul.
This transit win is thanks to community feedback on the Gold Line and the future of the I-94 corridor, especially Twin Cities Boulevard. If you’ve responded to a survey, called or emailed your representatives—thank you! Your support is already improving transit on the I-94 corridor.
We must continue to keep the pressure on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Metropolitan Council to transform the I-94 corridor for people as planning for the Rethinking I-94 project moves forward. We anticipate that MnDOT will use this project to justify rebuilding the freeway, claiming that more frequent bus service on the highway provides a sufficient transit improvement.
The Gold Line Extension is a significant win for transit riders. Regular, frequent transit service between the two downtowns is critical to improving our transit system and reducing our carbon emissions and reliance on cars. However, this is just the first step. The Gold Line Extension should not be used to justify rebuilding or expanding I-94. We must hold the line on highway removal for reparative justice and reconnecting our neighborhoods.
A highway-to-boulevard conversion of the Rethinking I-94 corridor would give the extended Gold Line a dedicated lane and signal priority while adding stops in Rondo, Seward, and the University of Minnesota. Twin Cities Boulevard would reconnect neighborhoods and repurpose highway land for new housing, businesses, and destinations along the route. The Gold Line Extension is great news. Let’s not let it become a bad compromise.
Take Action
Register for the upcoming virtual Rethinking I-94 Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) on November 8, 10-11:30AM to share your support for the Twin Cities Boulevard.
Note: In an attempt to suppress community input, MnDOT has removed the public comment portion from the end of the meeting. Public comment has been standard practice in MnDOT PAC meetings for years, and this decision is unacceptable.
Email MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger (nancy.daubenberger@state.mn.us) and Metro District Engineer Khani Sahebjum (khani.sahebjam@state.mn.us) and ask that they restore public comment during the PAC meeting.
Learn more about Twin Cities Boulevard.
A better future is possible.