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The current plan for the Central Corridor line calls for it to run through the east and west banks of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus down the center of Washington Avenue at street level.

Washington Avenue is the main artery through the University campus and is the second busiest pedestrian crossing in the Twin Cities with ten “rush hours” each day, including 10,000 pedestrians during the lunch hour.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association’s Board of Directors firmly opposes LRT running at street level on Washington Avenue.

• University info on Central Coordior LRT (PDF) 
• Alumni Association National Board LRT Resolution (PDF)
• "Do Light Rail Right" - Minnesota magazine column by CEO Margaret S. Carlson. 
• "Do Light Rail Right" (PDF version)

On February 27 the Met Council approved LRT through the University of Minnesota as an at-grade transit mall on Washington Avenue.

The University is carefully studying the feasibility of the LRT at grade transit mall on Washington and is working with the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Met Council and the Central Corridor LRT staff team to determine the necessary mitigations, the design of the mall and integrated transportation system and the finance plan to implement this option.

The Northern Alignment is the Board of Regents and the University of Minnesota’s preferred alternative.

Alumni Association position:

• Continue to oppose an at-grade LRT solution, and stand by our previously approved board resolution.
• Press for full exploration of other alternatives currently under investigation.
• Continue to closely follow this issue and vigorously advocate for the well-being of the University.