Postby DanPatchToget » October 11th, 2021, 12:12 pm
Yesterday I explored parts of the route between Golden Triangle and Louisiana Avenue on my bike. It appears the City West Station platform is taking shape, but it was too far to tell from where I was. Going through the Opus area I was reminded of how hellish it is getting through there on foot and bike (even with a car it sucks). Along the Claremont Apartments complex they're building a sound-wall, which obviously isn't the most aesthetically pleasing but with the shade of wood they're using it's not terrible. Rails, ties, and ballast are in place between 11th Avenue and the western end of the viaduct crossing over Excelsior Blvd. Between 5th Avenue and the Hopkins Depot Coffee House the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail is paved. Not sure if that segment is officially reopen but people have been using it (I don't blame them considering the detour route). The trail is also paved east of Wooddale Avenue, but there's concrete barriers blocking the bridge across Highway 100. The new freight rail connection has made some progress, but still a lot more to be done.