Key Takeaways:
- The Green Line Extension (GLE) project is nearing completion, with 95% of civil construction finished and 85% of the operating system installed.
- The project includes 14 at-grade crossings, with the Technology Drive crossing being the busiest of the four in Eden Prairie.
- Concerns have been raised about safety at the Technology Drive crossing, with some calling for increased signage and an in-person presence when the line begins regular service.
- The project team is working to engage with families and schools to educate them about safety around the trains.
- The Green Line Extension is expected to have a significant impact on the community, with improved transit options and economic benefits.
Introduction to the Green Line Extension Project
The Green Line Extension (GLE) project is a significant undertaking that aims to improve transportation options in the region. The project includes a 14.5-mile light rail line that will connect Target Field in Minneapolis to Southwest Station in Eden Prairie. As the project nears completion, concerns have been raised about safety at the various at-grade crossings, including the busy Technology Drive crossing in Eden Prairie.
Safety Concerns at the Technology Drive Crossing
The Technology Drive crossing is one of the busiest of the four at-grade crossings in Eden Prairie, with a daily vehicle count of 11,640 in 2024. While the number of reported accidents at the intersection is relatively low, with 24 reported between 2021 and 2025, concerns have been raised about the potential for accidents when the light rail line begins operating. Retiring Minnetonka Mayor Brad Wiersum has expressed concerns about the crossing, suggesting that a police car may be needed to monitor the area when the line begins regular service. Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson has also raised concerns about youth safety near the tracks, suggesting that the project team engage with families and schools to educate them about safety around the trains.
Community Outreach and Education
The project team is working to address concerns about safety at the Technology Drive crossing and other at-grade crossings. Community outreach manager David Davies has stated that the Technology Drive crossing is one of the project’s highest priorities and that the team is exploring options for increased signage and an in-person presence when the line begins regular service. The team is also working to engage with families and schools, with plans to use multimedia messaging and in-person presentations to educate students and community organizations about safety around the trains. Davies has also expressed interest in using light-rail train models for school show-and-tell, as suggested by Commissioner Edelson.
Testing and Operator Training
As the project nears completion, the team is preparing for the testing and operator training phases. Project Director Jim Alexander has stated that the challenge is that the project looks like it’s done, but it’s not done. The team will need to conduct over 1,500 train runs to test crossover switches, track alignments, power delivery, and station, tunnel, and curve clearances, as well as security, communications, and at-grade crossing signal systems. The testing phases will involve about 7,000 point-to-point device tests and an additional 2,000 to 3,000 secondary point checks. All operations will be tested and retested, day and night, in all seasonal weather conditions.
Eden Prairie’s Role in the Project
The city of Eden Prairie has been working closely with the project team throughout the design and construction phases. Public Works Director Robert Ellis has stated that the city will rely on Metro Transit’s expertise for testing the original Blue and Green line installations, but is prepared to assist as needed. The city will also coordinate with the project team if additional signage or pavement markings are required. Metro Transit Police Department personnel will be posted at crossings during testing work, with the Eden Prairie Police Department assisting as requested.
Security Cameras and Crossings
Metro Transit has stated that security cameras will be installed only at Green Line Extension stations, with the only at-grade crossings with video surveillance being those located near stations. In the event of a collision or other safety incident, the Metro Transit Police Department’s Real-Time Information Center will be able to immediately dispatch or alert first responders. Recordings of the incident could then be analyzed by forensic specialists. The city of Eden Prairie will share links to Green Line Extension press releases, videos, informational materials, and events through its website, social media platforms, and Life in the Prairie newsletters during the testing and operator training stages.
Conclusion
The Green Line Extension project is a significant undertaking that aims to improve transportation options in the region. While concerns have been raised about safety at the Technology Drive crossing and other at-grade crossings, the project team is working to address these concerns through community outreach and education. The team is also preparing for the testing and operator training phases, with a focus on ensuring the safety of passengers and the community. With its expected completion in 2027, the Green Line Extension is poised to have a significant impact on the community, with improved transit options and economic benefits.
