Construction on Southwest LRT now just months away

MINNETONKA, Minn. (KMSP) - After years of planning and a legislative session that ended in light rail drama, the Southwest LRT is now just months away from beginning constructed.

On Monday, potential contractors and subcontractors got the full rundown of all the work that needs to be done. The 14.5-mile light rail line is longer than either of the previous two lines. It will run from Target Field to Eden Prairie.

The Metropolitan council is calling it the largest public works project in the state’s history, with 15 stations, eight Park & Rides, 29 bridges and two tunnels. The project is estimated to cost $1.8 billion.

Monday’s meeting was part informational and part networking. A lot of the contractors and subcontractors in attendance had worked on the other lines and are hungry for more work.

“The consultant community and contractors are prepared to go on this great opportunity,” Sirish Samba, the owner of Sambatek, Inc., told Fox 9.

Work is expected to begin on the Southwest LRT next summer. The line is expected to open in 2021.