Major transit upgrade recommended for Central Avenue

/
15951592014_7c0169310a_c.jpg

Central Avenue is slated for a major transit upgrade this decade as part of Metro Transit's next round of bus rapid transit projects.

The regional transit agency finalized a recommendation last month to add a bus rapid transit line called the METRO F Line that would run between downtown Minneapolis and Northtown Mall via Central and University avenues.

Bus rapid transit (BRT) blends bus service with infrastructure similar to a light rail line. Riders pay fares at ticket machines before boarding. Buses make fewer stops, significantly speeding up travel time time. They also receive signal priority at traffic lights.

The estimated $81 million project includes funding for "enhanced shelters," which would be located on average 0.43 miles apart, including stops adjacent to the Waite Park neighborhood at 37th Avenue and 33rd Avenue. Service would run every 10 minutes for most of the day, seven days per week.

Route 10 would continue to operate approximately every 30 minutes along a path similar to the existing Route 10N, which runs through Spring Lake Park and Fridley along Central and Monroe avenues north of 53rd. Route 59 would be eliminated.

Metro Transit already provides BRT service along three corridors, including the METRO A Line along Snelling Avenue and the METRO C Line between downtown and Brooklyn Center. Five more BRT lines are set to open in the next few years.

Pending full funding, construction would begin on the Central Avenue line in 2025 with service starting the following year. A Johnson Street BRT line to replace the existing Route 4 is also under consideration between 2030 and 2040. —Dan Haugen

Riding the bus today? Here’s what you need to know.

A map of the proposed METRO F Line Bus Rapid Transit route along Central and University avenues. Pending full funding, construction on the project would start in 2025.

A map of the proposed METRO F Line Bus Rapid Transit route along Central and University avenues. Pending full funding, construction on the project would start in 2025.

Apply for emergency rent assistance from Hennepin County by March 19

/

Hennepin County is offering emergency rent assistance. Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify. The deadline to apply is noon Friday, March 19. Apply now.

While you can’t be evicted for not paying rent during Governor Walz’s executive order, rent is still due. When the order is lifted, people owing unpaid rent could be at risk for eviction.

This is an initial short-term program for urgent needs. More help will be offered through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.

City offers web resource with trial information

/

From the City of Minneapolis:

A new web resource offers information and updates around the upcoming trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd.

City information and links to partners in the new web section will help residents, businesses and others:

  • Find current street closures.

  • Sign up for trial updates from MN District Court.

  • Report suspicious activity.

  • Look up mental health and well-being resources for support during traumatic times.

They can also explore ways to prepare and stay informed, learn about security preparations and updates during the trial, follow impacts to traffic and transportation, and find public data on the officers involved.

The web pages will be updated as new information becomes available and as situations change.