Barrier Wall Could Delay Southwest Light Rail in Twin Cities

The extension of the Southwest Light Rail Transit project could face an additional setback as a review is conducted of a 1.4 mile long safety barrier. The barrier would separate light rail from existing active freight rail tracks along a portion of the proposed line near downtown Minneapolis. 

The Twin Cities' regional planning authority, the Metropolitan Council, originally believed further environmental review was not necessary for the barrier. However, consulting with the FTA revealed a Supplemental Environmental Assessment is required. Because the rail corridor itself is a historic resource, the barrier wall will likely trigger Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which could delay the project by as much as three months.