The Southwest Corridor light rail project has encountered numerous delays and cost overruns both before and after construction started in 2019. In response to these challenges, in March 2022 the Minnesota Legislature directed its auditor to review the project. The report identified three factors as key drivers of delays and cost increases:
- Uncertainty about the final location of freight rail along the project’s alignment. This proximity resulted in costly scope and design changes as well as schedule delays.
- The need for a concrete barrier wall between freight rail and light rail traffic along a portion of the alignment.
