Minneapolis, MN — Patients, staff, and visitors traveling to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center should expect significant transportation changes over the coming weeks due to Metro Transit construction projects.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that One Veterans Drive, the hospital’s main entrance, will be fully closed from 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 through Wednesday, Sept. 24. The closure is necessary for Metro Transit to carry out rail crossing maintenance and repair work at the intersection of Veterans Drive and Minnehaha Avenue.
During this time, detour signs will be posted around Veterans Drive, directing vehicles toward alternate access routes. Hospital officials are encouraging patients and visitors to plan ahead, allow for additional travel time, and follow posted detours carefully.
Adding to the transportation challenges, the Metro Blue Line will also be closed from 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 4. Metro Transit has announced that replacement buses will run along the affected corridor during this period, though service will operate less frequently than the regular train schedule. Passengers are advised to check Metro Transit Blue Line Closure Information online for exact bus travel times and stop locations.
“One Veterans Dr., the main entrance to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, will be closed Tues., Sept. 23 from 7:00 a.m. – Wed. Sept. 24. Metro Transit will be conducting rail crossing maintenance and repair that requires the intersection closure of Veterans Drive and Minnehaha Ave. Please follow the Veterans Drive Detour signs and allow extra time.”
Hospital officials and Metro Transit stress the importance of preparing for delays and rerouted traffic during these closures, especially for veterans with scheduled appointments, staff commuting to work, and families visiting loved ones.
For additional information, the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has provided a public affairs contact:
Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 612-467-3012
Email: Melanie.Nelson3@va.gov
The Minneapolis VA Medical Center serves thousands of veterans daily. Even brief disruptions in road access or public transit service can significantly affect patient care schedules and staff operations.
Metro Transit encourages travelers to use posted detour routes for driving and to rely on bus replacement services where possible.
The Blue Line closure affects not only VA Medical Center access but also local commuters traveling between downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and southern suburbs.
Once the rail maintenance and road work are completed, traffic and transit services will return to normal. However, Metro Transit has indicated that more infrastructure updates could be scheduled in the future as part of ongoing system maintenance.
Originally reported by VA Government.
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