Some great news came our way today and we wanted to share it with you as soon as possible!

Yesterday, the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved the funding needed to build the trail tunnel for bikers and pedestrians. The tunnel, which will run adjacent to the Purple Line, will carry a price tag of $54.9 million and open in 2026, three years after the light rail begins operation in order to accommodate budget funding already targeted for school construction.

While the delay in completion is unfortunate, we appreciate the Council's resolve in seeing this through and its approval is heartening and justified.

Purple Line NOW has been working behind the scenes to advocate for the tunnel and we were happy to co-sign a letter along with a number of other advocacy organizations urging the Council to fully fund the Capital Crescent Trail tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue.

We know many of you helped in that effort. Thank you to everyone who contacted their Councilmember on behalf of the tunnel -- they heard you! And, thank you to the Montgomery County Council for recognizing how important the tunnel is to our region.

Have a safe and happy weekend!