local
Metro Transit Blue Line to close Monday for maintenance upgrades
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
Metro Transit will shut down the Blue Line starting Monday as crews begin a $175 million maintenance project that will affect riders through Aug. 19.
Metro Transit said buses will run along the corridor while crews upgrade signals, systems and worn sections of track.
“It’s been 22 years sin...
Key takeaway “It’s been 22 years since the Blue Line opened, and in that time, there’s been millions and millions of trips taken on these tracks and with the systems and signals that we have in place,” said Drew Kerr with Metro Transit.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The Blue Line shutdown will undoubtedly impact daily commutes for thousands of Minneapolis residents who rely on the light rail to travel to work, school, and other destinations. With buses replacing trains, riders can expect longer travel times and potential delays, especially during peak hours. The closure will also affect local businesses along the corridor, which may see a decrease in foot traffic and customers. As Metro Transit invests in modernizing the system, it's crucial for the city to ensure that alternative transportation options are efficient and reliable. The upcoming maintenance on the Green Line, scheduled for July 1, will further test the city's transportation infrastructure, making it essential for Metro Transit to coordinate efforts and minimize disruptions to commuters. The $175 million project is a significant investment in the city's transportation future, and its success will depend on careful planning and execution.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Metro Transit will shut down the Blue Line starting Monday as crews begin a $175 million maintenance project that will affect riders through Aug. 19.
Metro Transit said buses will run along the corridor while crews upgrade signals, systems and worn sections of track.
“It’s been 22 years sin...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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