Central Corridor summer construction plan detailed

Construction workers
Construction workers continue work on what will be the Central Corridor of the LRT at the intersection of Cedar Street and Seventh Street Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012.
Alex Kolyer for MPR

As spring approaches, light rail construction is intensifying.

Starting in March, Central Corridor Light Rail construction and road closures will slow traffic from Minneapolis' West Bank to downtown St. Paul as workers build new roads, sidewalks and track.

At least one lane of traffic is expected to remain open along most of the route, although some main streets will be closed, according to maps released by the Metropolitan Council Wednesday afternoon.

• Cedar Street will be closed to traffic between 12th and Fourth streets through November/ December, with limited access to loading docks and parking ramps.

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• University Avenue between Rice to Robert streets will be closed to through-traffic after the legislative session ends June through late 2012.

• Washington Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic between Oak Street and Huron after March 1.

• Huron Boulevard will be closed from Delaware Street to University Avenue through the summer once Oak Street is fully restored.

By the end of 2012 the Met Council plans to complete much of the construction that will disrupt traffic and businesses, including completion of 10 miles of track on the line and relocation of water and sewer lines.

In 2013, workers will add overhead wires and power stations along the route. The line is slated to open to the public in 2014.