Maintenance projects close some Hiawatha line stations

by Rupa Shenoy, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The first of five weekend maintenance projects planned for the Hiawatha light rail line this summer is under way.

The work is closing six stations this weekend: Target Field, Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue, Nicollet Mall, Government Plaza, Downtown East/Metrodome and Cedar-Riverside.

Route 55 buses will run between those stops, said Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland.

"Buses will operate more frequently than trains, but bus trips will take longer than train rides," he said.

Metro Transit staff will be on hand in yellow safety vests at key stations to direct customers.

Also this weekend, the Minnesota Department of Transportation was scheduled to close southbound Highway 65 -- also known as Central Avenue in Columbia Heights -- between 45th Avenue Northeast and 49th Avenue Northeast, until 8 a.m. Sunday

In St. Paul, Maryland Avenue spanning I-35E in both directions was schedule to be closed until 6 p.m. Saturday.