Green Line Extension Public Safety Memo

This past month, the Green Line Extension project began system integration testing- the last major phase of project development.  This testing phase will continue in three distinct geographic phases through most of 2026 to ensure the system is safe, reliable, efficient and ready to ride in 2027.

Two weeks ago, 6 Light rail vehicles (LRV’s) were moved to SouthWest Station in preparation for live wire testing. You may have seen a train being pulled along the corridor already. Soon, they will run on their own power. When they do, the warning systems at LRT Grade Crossings will be fully active. To date, as you've been driving, biking and walking along the corridor, it hasn't been necessary to pay attention to those warnings. Warning systems, lights, bells and gate arms have all been in place for a while but have remained inactive during construction. Now's the time to start looking out for and observing those traffic warning systems. Please stay alert and observe the warning system. It's in place for your safety.

I would appreciate your assistance getting our safety message out to your employees, constituencies, and colleagues. We have created several resources for this purpose.

• Our office has produced two videos about the warning systems and the testing phase. Both are posted [along with other videos related to the Green Line Ext] on our YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@METROGreenLineExtension
• We have also created  a link on our website (here: Systems Testing - Metropolitan Council ) with more information about testing, and a number of resources (an FAQ, flyers, One-pager, maps, graphics, etc.) that can be downloaded and printed for display.
• Also, we have buck slips highlighting our safety message. If you would like these to distribute in your workplace, please let me know how many and I will deliver them to you.
• Finally, if you know of a group who would like a short presentation on the testing phase (or any aspect of the GLE project) we would be happy to facilitate that.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know.

Best Regards,

James Mockovciak

Senior Outreach Coordinator, Green Line Extension Project