Green Line Extension Will Open June 12, 2027

The 14.5-mile light rail project will link Eden Prairie to St. Paul, creating new transit access for regional commuters.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a modern light rail train carriage, evoking the scale of Minnesota's transit infrastructure. — Minnesota officials announced that the $2.86 billion Green Line Extension will begin public service on June 12, 2027, connecting Eden Prairie to St. Paul. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the investment of billions in local light rail expansion projects?

Minnesota officials announced that the $2.86 billion Green Line Extension will begin public service on June 12, 2027. The project serves as the state's largest public works initiative and integrates into the existing Metro Green Line.

Why it matters

The project will fundamentally alter regional transit connectivity by consolidating into a 25.5-mile service, impacting workforce access and consumer foot traffic between Eden Prairie and St. Paul.

The 14.5-mile light rail extension carries a $2.86 billion budget, marking Minnesota's largest public works project to date. With the system currently 98% complete, the expansion will consolidate into a total 25.5-mile regional rail service.

The players

Met Council

The regional policy-making body responsible for long-range planning and transit infrastructure operations in the Twin Cities.

The details

The project utilizes four stations in Eden Prairie and establishes critical transfer points, including connections at SouthWest Station and the Blue Line at Target Field Station. Heavy construction on the corridor began in 2019 to bridge the transit gap across the metro area. Once operational, the extension facilitates direct movement from Eden Prairie through Minneapolis and into St. Paul.

Heavy construction for the project began in 2019.
The official project announcement occurred on September 26, 2026.
Public service is scheduled to begin on June 12, 2027.

Market Landscape

The expansion marks a significant extension of the established Metro Green Line network. This development follows the long-term precedent set by the original Green Line, which linked Minneapolis and St. Paul to spur transit-oriented commercial growth.

Operators should evaluate how the new transit corridor influences local workforce accessibility and storefront accessibility for commuters. Businesses in the station zones should prepare for potential changes in foot traffic patterns beginning in June 2027.

The takeaway

The Green Line Extension creates a new 25.5-mile transit artery connecting key regional hubs. Business owners should monitor the specific stop locations in Eden Prairie to assess the impact on local consumer access and staffing logistics ahead of the June 12, 2027 opening.