North Hennepin News

Hennepin County officials are exploring other options after BNSF Railway announced that it remains opposed to allowing the METRO Blue Line's Bottineau Light Rail Transit project to be built on its property.

Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council said that they are working on a way to bypass the property without using BNSF Railway's right of way.

"This project is a critical element in meeting our transportation needs for a growing region,” Metropolitan Chair Charlie Zelle said in a press release. “Our commitment to the Blue Line Extension has not changed and I look forward to working with project partners and community stakeholders as we chart our new pathway forward."

Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat said for more than a decade, Hennepin County has led planning for the Bottineau LRT line in close partnership with agency and community partners at all levels.

“The cities have been particularly strong partners and done amazing work to prepare for this transformative project. Local elected leaders have been more than patient as we tried to complete a deal with the railroad, who once conducted themselves as partners in this endeavor. BNSF’s new obstinance cannot deter our work any longer. The time to forge ahead is now. These cities and the region, as a whole, need this LRT project," Opat said.