Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Interchange?
The Interchange, a project of Hennepin County, the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, is located next to Target Field, connected to the North Loop neighborhood and adjacent to the historic Ford Center and Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC). Opening in 2014, the Interchange will be a central, multi-modal transportation hub and community gathering space in downtown Minneapolis and serve as a gateway to the North Loop and surrounding neighborhoods and amenities. This unique destination will connect communities by linking the region’s growing commuter and light rail transit network, and miles of bike and walking trails. Near the Interchange, visitors will access daily bus operations that connect the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.
What is the purpose of the Interchange?
The purpose of the Interchange is to provide the public with high-quality transit service, and more efficient access to Minneapolis and destinations in surrounding communities. With a centrally-located facility, and improved multi-modal connections and pedestrian linkages, this convenient transportation hub will encourage greater use of public transportation within the Twin Cities.
The Interchange represents a vital part of the region’s growing light and commuter rail network that offers opportunities for regional growth and economic prosperity throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The Interchange will provide a public space for the North Loop and surrounding neighborhood, transit users, and visitors to Target Field, Minneapolis Farmers Market, Warehouse District and downtown Minneapolis.
When will the Interchange open?
The Interchange will open in the spring of 2014.
What is the project schedule?
Construction of the Interchange is underway. The Interchange will be completed in the spring of 2014. Go to Updates for the latest construction information.
How does the Interchange benefit Minneapolis and surrounding communities?
With its central location and as one of Minneapolis’ foremost gathering spaces, the Interchange will better connect the North Loop and surrounding neighborhoods to downtown Minneapolis. The public space will include open green spaces, areas for respite and relaxation, as well as provide an area for community gatherings. Additionally, with thousands of people passing through the Interchange each day, it will open the door to redevelopment opportunities that complement the station, Target Field, Minneapolis Farmers Market and the surrounding area.
How does the Interchange affect the regional rail network in the Twin Cities metropolitan area?
The Interchange will allow people to more efficiently access Minneapolis and destinations in surrounding communities through the region’s growing light and commuter rail network, and miles of bike and walking trails. Near the Interchange, visitors will access daily bus operations that connect the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.
What transit lines connect to the Interchange?
The Interchange will easily connect communities throughout the region through the Hiawatha LRT (the METRO Blue Line), Northstar Commuter Rail, and the Central Corridor LRT (the METRO Green Line), currently being constructed between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Future LRT lines, including the Southwest LRT and Bottineau Transitway, will also stop at the Interchange destination. In addition, the Interchange will service the proposed high-speed rail line from the Twin Cities to Chicago and other planned passenger rail lines. In addition, the Interchange will service the proposed high-speed rail line from the Twin Cities to Chicago and other planned passenger rail lines. Near the Interchange, visitors will also access daily bus operations that connect the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.
Transit links:
How much will the project cost and how is the project being funded?
The total cost of the Interchange is $79.3 million, with more than a majority of funding (52 percent) coming from local sources. The remaining funding comes from state (22 percent) and federal (26 percent) sources.
- Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, $10.8 million
- TIGER III Grant, $10 million
- Metropolitan Council Formula Funds, $10 million
- Minnesota State Bonds
- 2009 appropriation, $3.7 million
- 2011 appropriation, $11 million
- 2012 appropriation, $2.5 million
- Minnesota Ballpark Authority, $1.5 million
- Federal Transportation Administration Grant, $500,000
- City of Minneapolis, $500,000
- Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, $500,000
The additional $28.3 million will be funded by a transfer of approximately $6.3 million from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and a contribution of $22 million from the Hennepin County General Fund. It is expected that the $22 million from the Hennepin County General Fund willbe reduced as additional non-county funding sources are confirmed.