Downtown East/Metrodome (Metro Transit station)

Infobox Station
name=Downtown East/Metrodome


image_size=
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address=429 Park Ave South
line=rail color box|system=MNMT|line=Hiawatha
other=Routes 3, 16 and 50
platform=Side platforms
tracks=
parking=
bicycle=
baggage_check=
passengers=
pass_year=
pass_percent=
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opened=June 26, 2004
closed=
rebuilt=
ADA=Yes
code=
owned=Metro Transit
zone=
services=
mpassengers=The Downtown East/Metrodome station is a light rail station on the Hiawatha Line in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the fourth stop southbound.

This station is located on the Metrodome plaza at the east end of downtown Minneapolis. This is a side-platform station. Service began at this station when the Hiawatha Line opened on June 26, 2004.

A major feature of the site is the set of ornamental arches that stand next to the station. These are meant to reflect the Stone Arch Bridge, a major landmark of the city that crosses the Mississippi River a few blocks away.cite book |last=Millett |first=Larry |authorlink=Larry Millett |title=AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul |year=2007 |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press |location= |isbn=0-87351-540-4 |pages=pp. 74 ] The patterns in the brickwork are meant to reflect fabric designs worn by 19th century immigrants in the Elliot Park neighborhood.cite book |last=Millett |first=Larry |authorlink=Larry Millett |title=AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul |year=2007 |publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press |location= |isbn=0-87351-540-4 |pages=pp. 74 ]

This station is normally not very busy except for weekend sporting events at the 'Dome, when large crowds queue up. It can take up to an hour for the platforms to return to normal after a big game.

The platforms are also considered to be the main stop for students traveling to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, as a few frequent bus routes to campus run nearby. The Central Corridor project between Minneapolis and St. Paul may eventually be built as a light rail line, and would provide a direct connection to the university, but it may not be in service until the mid 2010s.

Just south of the Metrodome station, past the crossing of 4th Street and Chicago Avenue, trains enter the segment of the line where block signaling is used. In contrast, light rail vehicles must obey stop lights in the downtown region.

Notable places nearby

* Metrodome
* Hennepin County Medical Center "(2 blocks)"
* Mill City Museum "(3 blocks)"
* Guthrie Theater "(3 blocks)"

References

External links

* [http://www.metrotransit.org/ Metro Transit]