By Braun Intertec | December 17, 2025

When the METRO Green Line Extension (also known as the Southwest LRT) began official testing in October, it marked a major milestone for one of the region’s most significant transit investments—and a moment to recognize the behind-the-scenes efforts that made it possible. As a trusted partner, Braun Intertec played a critical role in bringing the project to this stage. With system testing now underway, the essential but less visible work comes from our over 100 inspection professionals and multidisciplinary specialists, whose expertise ensures structural integrity, safety compliance, and long-term system performance. 

Structure Evaluation 

Structure evaluation centers on determining the “why”, “how”, and “now what” behind building behavior. Why is the building cracking or leaning? Why is the material failing? How did the distress occur, and what steps can be taken to address it? Onsite condition assessments, often supported by destructive and non-destructive testing, help uncover root causes. Our team can also provide yearly assessments of parking garages and roof tie-off anchors, as well as inspections of newly constructed storm shelters. 

Why the Green Line Extension Matters 

• The extension spans 14.5 miles and adds 16 new stations, connecting downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, through St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka.  
• With those connections come opportunity: when service begins (currently slated for 2027), riders can reach the Twin Cities from suburbs in roughly 35 minutes, with full transfer access to the existing Green and Blue lines.
• Beyond commuting, the project has already catalyzed massive economic and community development: billions in housing, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use growth across the corridor.  

Behind-the-Scenes

Infrastructure of this scale brings many moving parts and challenges. Throughout the process, our team has supported the project with soil and structural evaluations, materials testing, and ongoing quality assurance to help keep construction on track and aligned with project requirements. 

 While the project has seen many accomplishments, Southwest LRT has also encountered challenges, including complex soil conditions and engineering issues that affected the schedule and overall project cost. Despite this, our industry experts continued to provide steady and confident service, bringing this project to where it is today. 

 Having well over 100 skilled inspection professionals on site at various phases of construction, testing, and systems verification, it is apparent how safety and quality are non-negotiable parts of the equation. Our team worked alongside other contractors and stakeholders, ensuring checks, balances, and adherence to standards every step of the way. 

A Collaborative Effort

What’s especially noteworthy is the collaborative spirit this project demanded. Large infrastructure efforts rarely come with a single vendor or contractor. By contributing as one of many firms, including others who might otherwise be considered competition, Braun Intertec helped reinforce that building public infrastructure is a shared responsibility. 

 This kind of collaboration isn’t about who gets the credit, but about ensuring all components- track integrity, structural stability, and safety systems work seamlessly together; doing so requires coordination, transparency, and mutual respect among all parties. 

Looking Ahead

As testing continues through 2026 and into 2027, and the countdown to passenger service begins, and the work will shift from heavy construction to system integration, safety validation, and final inspections.  

 Throughout this transition, Braun Intertec remains committed to supporting every mile of track in delivering on its promise of safety, reliability, and community impact. 

 We’re honored to help shape a project of this scale and excited for what it means for the future of transit in the Twin Cities.