Twin Cities Met Council creates transit infrastructure division

The Metropolitan Council — the Twin Cities regional board that oversees Metro Transit — this week created a division and leadership position to better manage critical infrastructure projects.

The division will be led by an executive director responsible for project development and construction on all light-rail and bus rapid transit routes. The director will report directly to Met Council Chair Charles Zelle.

Historically, the council has managed only one major capital project at a time; over the past 15 years, it has taken on multiple projects at once, which has put a strain on the organization, council officials said in a press release. The new division will allow for a better structure to conduct multiple capital projects simultaneously.

Metro Transit Deputy General Manager for Capital Programs Nick Thompson will fill the role temporarily until the council hires a permanent director, council officials said.