Push For Light Rail, BRT On Bridge Replacement Meets Resistance

The city of Minneapolis wants plans for the collapsed Interstate 35W to include the possible future implementation of space for light rail and bus rapid transit. The state department of transportation, however, has a differing vision.

1 minute read

August 20, 2007, 10:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Minneapolis plans to flex its muscle on the design of the new Interstate 35W bridge, but the city and state transportation officials disagree over how much power local officials will wield over light rail and other major elements."

"Before starting construction, the state must give Minneapolis a report describing the bridge's purpose, route and proposed design, under a state law that calls for "municipal consent" by local government on highway projects. The city then approves or disapproves."

"But some elements the city wants, according to a draft statement issued Thursday, seem to conflict with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's stated vision. Specifically, the city believes the design 'should incorporate, and certainly not preclude options for future transit improvements, including light rail and bus rapid transit.'"

"That doesn't mean the span should immediately include a light-rail line, or that Hiawatha light rail should take that route, Mayor R.T. Rybak said."

"'We said what we need to do is preserve all options for rail,' Rybak said."

Thursday, August 16, 2007 in Pioneer Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Crowds of people walking and biking along waterfront in Sunset Dunes Park in San Francisco, California on a sunny day.

San Francisco Opens Park on Former Great Highway

The Sunset Dunes park’s grand opening attracted both fans and detractors.

April 22 - Mission Local

Portland Oregon Bus

Oregon Legislature to Consider Transit Funding Laws

One proposal would increase the state’s payroll tax by .08% to fund transit agencies and expand service.

April 22 - KATU.com

Houston, Texas skyline.

Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy

The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.

April 22 - Urban Edge