Metro Transit and suburban express bus lines that run on Second and Marquette Avenues S. in downtown Minneapolis will be rerouted starting Monday as a construction project to rebuild the avenues moves to its next phase.
Work began last month, and when the project is complete in December 2009, both avenues from First to 12th Streets will feature double-wide bus lanes, new bus shelters, wider sidewalks, public art, landscaping and improved lighting, Metro Transit and city officials said.
Most express bus routes will be rerouted via Fourth, Fifth or Hennepin Avenues. Specific route changes and maps showing the new routes are at www.metrotransit.org/news/stories/09_08_Marq2-detour.asp.
The project is part of Minneapolis' 10-year plan to provide faster and better bus service and make downtown more pedestrian-friendly, city officials said.
TIM HARLOW
