Construction of a new 344-space parking ramp at the Northstar Commuter station in Anoka begins Monday.

The new 344-space ramp will include a pedestrian overpass south of the railroad tracks.

During construction, regular Northstar service will continue and a temporary parking lot will be located east of 4th Avenue and north of Johnson Street. There will be no parking for Northstar customers south of the tracks during construction

The ramp is expected to be open for use by December 2013. It will offer improved safety for Northstar customers, parking that is covered and closer to the rail platform, and easy access to trains for those arriving by bus, by car, on foot and by bicycle, Metro Transit said.

The station is served by routes 805, 852 and the Northstar Commuter line.