The Central Corridor light-rail project chugged past another milestone Tuesday, receiving permission from the federal government to begin final design.
It's the last stage before the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) agrees to pay for half of the $957 million project. The 11-mile line will link the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul, mostly via University and Washington avenues.
Project officials expect the FTA's funding commitment to happen in late fall.
"The FTA's approval represents another important step in transforming this project from a 20-year-old dream into reality," said Peter Bell, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, which is leading the project. "It will mean improved access for thousands of metro area residents to employment, educational and economic opportunities all along the corridor and beyond."
Some light construction, such as relocating utilities, has already begun. Roadwork around the East Bank of the University of Minnesota also started recently. The bulk of heavy construction along the line, however, is expected to happen next year and in 2012.
Trains are expected to start rolling in 2014.
CHRIS HAVENS
