Welcome to the Latest Edition of Purple Line NOW News!

We’re so glad you’re here with us! As summer settles in along the corridor, the Purple Line has entered one of its most exciting phases yet -- light rail vehicles are now moving along multiple stretches of track, not just in isolated test zones but in extended runs that look and feel like the real thing. If you’ve been near College Park, Riverdale Park, or the University of Maryland campus recently, you may have caught a glimpse of a train gliding through an intersection or humming past a station canopy. It’s a sight many of us have been waiting years to see.

In this issue, we’ll walk you through:

• Dynamic testing expanding -- Purple Line vehicles are now running longer distances under their own power.
• Construction updates from the latest MDOT MTA reports, including station progress and summer work zones.
• Small business support and corridor‑wide impacts.
• A reminder to be on the lookout for our Forum Format Poll for the fall Purple Line NOW Forum.
• A thank you and gentle reminder about our summer fundraising efforts.
• A look ahead to Maryland’s June primary with links to transit‑focused scorecards and voter guides.

As always, if you want to stay on top of construction notices, detours, and weekly field updates, you should sign up directly for official alerts. It’s the best way to keep track of what’s happening on the ground as the project accelerates toward opening day.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the corridor!

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Warm Thank You and a Gentle Ask

As always, thank you to everyone who supports Purple Line NOW. Your generosity keeps this newsletter going, helps us host public forums, and ensures we can continue to advocate for a successful, community‑centered Purple Line.

Summer is traditionally a quieter giving season, but our work continues year‑round. If you don’t yet see your name on our donor list, we hope you’ll consider joining our community of supporters. To donate, just click here or on the purple DONATE NOW button below. Every contribution truly makes a difference. 

Thank you to all of our generous supporters!

Presenting Donors

The Sanders-Malloy Family

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation

Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett, Ben Ross, Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Posey Eitzen, Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, John Robinson, Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Ralph Bennett, Glen Bottoms, Peter Gray, Gerrit Knaap, Francine Meyer, Kathy Porter, Tom Quinn, Webb Smedley, John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Mike DeLong, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jay Miller, Judith Morenoff, James Riley, Michael Volk

Purple Line Vehicles Now Running Along the Alignment

Over the past three weeks, MDOT MTA has expanded dynamic testing, and Purple Line light rail vehicles (LRVs) are now traveling extended segments of track, including:

• College Park to the University of Maryland campus
• Riverdale Park Station area
• Sections near the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility

These runs include acceleration, braking, signal integration, and interaction with crossing gates -- all essential steps toward full‑system testing. MDOT MTA has emphasized that residents should expect to see trains moving more frequently and in more locations throughout the summer.

This is the first time the public has seen multiple LRVs moving in daylight along completed track segments and it marks a major shift from construction to operations readiness.

To help communities prepare, the outreach team has been hard at work. Residents near testing areas may have already seen door hangers, variable message signs, and school safety presentations. The University of Maryland community has received targeted outreach as well, including signage and coordinated communication with campus partners. A dedicated Testing and Safety page now brings key information together in one place.

The safety message remains simple and essential:

• Always expect a train.
• Use designated crossings.
• Never walk, bike, or park on the tracks.
• Treat all overhead wires as energized -- they carry 1,500 volts DC and are extremely dangerous.

We Need Your Input: Help Shape Our Next Purple Line NOW Forum

As we plan our next Purple Line NOW Forum, we’d love your help deciding what format will best serve our community. Over the past several years, our virtual forums have drawn strong attendance and made it easy for people from across the corridor to join. At the same time, we know there’s real value in gathering face to face, and if we move forward with an in‑person event, it will likely be held on the University of Maryland campus.

Before we make any decisions, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a neighbor along the alignment, or a UMD student who will soon be riding the Purple Line, your voice matters. Keep an eye out for a short survey which will pop into your inbox soon asking for your thoughts on the format of the event -- should we gather in person again, stay virtual, or try a hybrid mix?

We’ll also share the same questions on our social media channels so everyone can weigh in.

Your feedback will help us choose the format that makes it easiest for you to participate and stay engaged with the project as it moves toward opening day.

Construction Progress: Stations, Systems, and Summer Work Zones

MDOT MTA’s late‑May and early‑June updates highlight several construction milestones:

• Station canopies are being installed or completed at Silver Spring, Long Branch, Riverdale Park–Kenilworth, and Beacon Heights–East Pines.
• Elevators and escalators are being tested at Bethesda and Silver Spring.
• Overhead catenary system (OCS) wiring is now energized in multiple new segments, enabling the expanded vehicle testing.
• Trail connections continue to advance, including work on the Capital Crescent Trail near Bethesda and the Georgetown Branch Trail corridor.
• Roadway and traffic pattern shifts are scheduled throughout June in Lyttonsville, University Boulevard, and Riverdale Park.

Overall construction remains near 90% complete, with systems integration now the dominant focus.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA Purple Line

Exciting news for the Bethesda and Chevy Chase communities: this month Purple Line crews will begin Live Wire testing of light rail tracks and systems with a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) between the Lyttonsville Operations and Maintenance Facility and Bethesda Station. During the first phase of testing, operations will run overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately one week. The majority of future testing will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please continue to remain outside the project limits, as LRVs will periodically travel along the tracks and through the Purple Line work zone. Please note that testing in this section is limited to dedicated Purple Line tracks and does not interact with traffic. View testing map here.

Want to see what all the excitement is about? Thanks to our partners at MDOT MTA, we’re thrilled to share a set of brand‑new videos that show exactly what progress looks like on the Purple Line right now. Eagle‑eyed viewers will spot Purple Line NOW’s own Board Member and Treasurer, Tina Slater, and her husband Don in the first clip!

You’ll also see a glimpse of artist Claudia Fitch’s Turning Point, the Art‑in‑Transit installation taking shape at the future Glenridge Station. Designed to give the station a distinctive visual identity, the piece reflects the surrounding community and enhances the passenger experience. You can learn more about the artwork here: https://ow.ly/gJGz50Z9Z9r.

A quick reminder: This summer, construction continues on the second mezzanine at Bethesda Station, which will provide a direct connection to the Purple Line -- making transfers easier and supporting long‑term ridership growth. During this work, free shuttles are replacing trains between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.

Learn more by clicking here.

Small Business Support Continues Along the Corridor

MDOT’s Small Business Grant Program awarded $600,000 in new grants this spring to businesses affected by Purple Line construction. You can find a bunch of information on how to apply for your group and a list of the most recent grantees here. Congratulations to all the winners!

Maryland’s June Primary: Transit Scorecards & Voter Guides

Maryland’s primary is coming up on June 23 and several organizations have released transit‑focused voter guides to help residents understand where candidates stand on transportation, land use, and climate issues.

Here are a few resources you may find helpful:

• Action Committee for Transit (ACT) Candidate Scorecards
  ACT regularly publishes questionnaires and scorecards for Montgomery County and state‑level candidates focused on transit, walkability, and sustainable transportation.
• Sierra Club Maryland Chapter 
  Their website offers great information on the upcoming election.
• Greater Greater Washington (GGWash) Voter Guides
  GGWash interviews candidates and publishes transportation‑focused guides for Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
• Coalition for Smarter Growth Resources to help you know how, where, and when you can cast your vote, and to inform you about candidates’ positions on housing, zoning, and transportation.

For official election information, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections: https://elections.maryland.gov

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Welcome to the Latest Edition of Purple Line NOW News!

There’s a lot to share this edition, and we’re glad you’re here with us. The Purple Line has reached one of its most meaningful milestones yet, and the energy across the corridor is unmistakable. From major construction progress to community celebrations to the work we’re doing right here at Purple Line NOW, this issue is full of updates that reflect just how far this project has come.

In this edition, you’ll find:

• A milestone worth celebrating -- the final piece of rail is officially in place, a moment marked by state, county, and federal leaders and witnessed by several of our own board members.
• A chance to shape our next Purple Line NOW Forum -- we’re asking for your input on whether our fall event should be in person, virtual, or hybrid.
• A heartfelt thank you to our supporters -- and an invitation to join our donor community if you don’t yet see your name listed.
• Community Advisory Team Meetings conclude -- check out what we've learned during the spring sessions.

And here’s one more fresh Purple Line update from the past month: Crews have begun expanding live‑wire testing along additional segments of the alignment, including areas near the University of Maryland campus, as systems integration ramps up ahead of the 2027 opening target. This testing phase is a major step toward preparing the line for full operations and marks another sign of steady forward movement.

As always, if you want to stay on top of construction notices, detours, and weekly field updates, you should sign up directly for official alerts. It’s the best way to keep track of what’s happening on the ground as the project accelerates toward opening day.

We’re grateful to have you with us as the Purple Line enters this exciting new chapter. Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the corridor.

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Warm Thank You and a Gentle Ask

As we head into the summer months, we want to pause and extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Purple Line NOW this year. Your generosity keeps this work moving -- from producing this newsletter, to hosting public forums, to keeping our community informed as the project advances. We truly mean it when we say we could not do this without you.

Summer is typically a quieter season for contributions, even though our work continues steadily behind the scenes. While we often run a matching campaign in the late fall, we rely on support throughout the year to stay afloat and keep delivering the updates and engagement our community counts on.

If your name appears on the donor list below, please know how grateful we are for you. And if you don’t see your name, we hope you’ll consider making a gift that fits your circumstances. Every contribution -- large or small -- helps us remain a trusted, consistent source of Purple Line news and advocacy.

Your name or your business name will be highlighted at all Purple Line NOW events (including our signature Envisioning the Purple Line series), as well as on our website, for a full year following your most recent donation.

Thank you again to all of our generous supporters.

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation
The Sanders-Malloy Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett, Ben Ross, Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, John Robinson, Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Ralph Bennett, Glen Bottoms, Peter Gray, Gerrit Knaap, Francine Meyer, Kathy Porter, Tom Quinn, Webb Smedley, John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Mike DeLong, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jay Miller, Judith Morenoff, James Riley, Michael Volk

Community Advisory Team Meetings Wrap Up as the Purple Line Enters a New Phase

With the Purple Line now deep into testing and pre‑operations, this spring’s Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings offered one last round of detailed, on‑the‑ground updates before the project shifts into its next chapter. These sessions, held for each segment of the alignment, have long been a trusted way for neighbors to hear directly from project leaders. Now that the spring cycle has concluded, we wanted to share a look at the themes that emerged across the corridor.

At the center of many updates was the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility, which is now fully active and humming with daily activity. This is the operational heart of the Purple Line -- where operators train, vehicles are dispatched, communications are monitored, and maintenance crews keep the system running. The wash bay, storage tracks, and repair shops are all in service, supporting the fleet of 28 light rail vehicles delivered ahead of schedule in late 2025.

Those vehicles have already completed their initial testing at Glenridge, where crews verified propulsion, braking, overhead power connections, and communication links with the operations center. With that groundwork complete, the project has moved into the more visible, corridor‑wide phase of testing.

Testing continues to roll out section by section through 2026. Each area must pass a rigorous checklist: newly installed rail, overhead catenary wires, on‑board systems, traffic signals, gates, and the full suite of operational technologies that must work together seamlessly before opening day.

Because traffic control systems are not yet active in these test zones, Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) crews remain stationed at key intersections. That means police officers, flaggers, and occasional short‑term closures during the overnight testing window -- typically 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. Once testing begins in a segment, the project team reminds everyone to treat the area as “live,” with trains appearing periodically even if construction crews are still present.

Photo Courtesy of Ralph Bennett

To help communities prepare, the outreach team has been hard at work. Residents near testing areas may have already seen door hangers, variable message signs, and school safety presentations. The University of Maryland community has received targeted outreach as well, including signage and coordinated communication with campus partners. A dedicated Testing and Safety page now brings key information together in one place.

The safety message remains simple and essential:

• Always expect a train.
• Use designated crossings.
• Never walk, bike, or park on the tracks.
• Treat all overhead wires as energized -- they carry 1,500 volts DC and are extremely dangerous.

With the CAT meetings now wrapped for the season, we extend our thanks to everyone who participated, asked questions, and stayed engaged. These sessions have been an invaluable bridge between the project team and the communities along the alignment.

If you’d like to revisit any of the materials presented, the full slide decks are available on the Purple Line website.

We Need Your Input: Help Shape Our Next Purple Line NOW Forum

As we plan our next Purple Line NOW Forum, we’d love your help deciding what format will best serve our community. Over the past several years, our virtual forums have drawn strong attendance and made it easy for people from across the corridor to join. At the same time, we know there’s real value in gathering face to face, and if we move forward with an in‑person event, it will likely be held on the University of Maryland campus.

Before we make any decisions, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a neighbor along the alignment, or a UMD student who will soon be riding the Purple Line, your voice matters. In the next few days, you’ll see a short survey pop into your inbox asking for your thoughts on the format of the event -- should we gather in person again, stay virtual, or try a hybrid mix?

We’ll also share the same questions on our social media channels so everyone can weigh in.

Your feedback will help us choose the format that makes it easiest for you to participate and stay engaged with the project as it moves toward opening day.

A Milestone to Remember: The Purple Line's Final Rail is in Place!

On a bright May afternoon in Silver Spring, the Purple Line reached a milestone that felt both triumphant and deeply personal for many in our community. At the future 16th Street–Woodside Station, state, county, and federal leaders gathered to tap the final rail clips into place, marking the completion of 193,100 feet of track connecting Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Photo Courtesy of Donna Nelson

Two of our own board members, Greg Sanders and Barbara Sanders, were there to witness the moment firsthand. For the Sanders family especially, but to all who knew the late Harry Sanders, the day carried special meaning. Harry spent decades championing this project long before ground was ever broken, and seeing the final rail installed felt like a quiet nod to his persistence, vision, and belief that better transit could knit our communities together. Barbara and Greg’s presence at the ceremony reminded all of us that the Purple Line is more than steel and concrete -- it is the culmination of decades of community effort, vision, and the hope of Harry and so many others who worked tirelessly to advocate for this project.

Leaders Celebrate a Long‑Awaited Moment

Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, and a host of county leaders arrived in bright yellow safety vests and purple hard hats, ready to celebrate a milestone nearly a decade in the making. Governor Moore spoke about the promise finally being fulfilled, saying Marylanders have long asked whether leaders would deliver on the Purple Line. “Today, we are delivering,” he said, noting that the project has completed more than 16 miles of track and put more than 2,000 people to work.

Photo Courtesy of Donna Nelson

Lt. Governor Miller reflected on the years of construction and the patience of residents and small businesses. As an engineer, she emphasized how infrastructure shapes daily life and said the Purple Line will “connect communities, expand access to jobs and opportunity, and strengthen our state’s transportation network for generations to come.”

Senator Van Hollen highlighted the project’s regional importance, noting that east‑west connections have long been missing from the region’s transit network. He called the Purple Line “important for economic empowerment” and a major step toward strengthening communities and improving environmental outcomes. 

Prince George’s County leaders also underscored what this milestone means for their communities. The Purple Line’s 21 stations span both counties, and the project promises new access to jobs, education, and services. Senator Van Hollen reiterated that the Purple Line was designed to connect communities “that had been left behind” by the region’s north‑south transit patterns.

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy celebrated the milestone as a long‑term investment in the county’s economic future. “We are excited that the Purple Line is almost ready,” she said. “Investing in the Purple Line has always been about investing in our economy and community by connecting the places people live, work, learn -- and enjoy life."

Maryland Delegate Marc Korman emphasized the importance of suburb‑to‑suburb transit, noting that most Montgomery County commuters travel to other suburbs rather than into D.C. “That’s why a suburb‑to‑suburb transit connection, a fixed transit connection like the Purple Line, is so important,” he said.

A Celebration Shared Across Maryland

The milestone drew praise from leaders statewide, including Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña‑Melnyk, who shared her excitement on social media. In her words: “This is what progress looks like. This is what keeping our promises looks like.”

Her message echoed the mood on the ground -- a sense that after years of delays, lawsuits, contractor changes, and community disruptions, the Purple Line is finally turning a corner.

What Comes Next

With the final rail installed, crews now shift their focus to station structures, Art‑in‑Transit installations, landscaping, and the complex systems integration needed before passenger service begins. Officials continue to aim for a late‑2027 opening, with testing already underway along several segments.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Sanders

The finish line is finally in sight. As the Purple Line moves into its next phase, we look forward to sharing more updates, more milestones, and more stories from the communities that have supported this project every step of the way.

And today, we celebrate -- together.

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Welcome back to Purple Line NOW News! We’re so glad you’re here. As April leans into May and the trees along the corridor finally shake off their winter sulk, the project seems to be doing the same -- stretching, greening up, and looking more and more like the transit line we’ve all been picturing for years.

If you’ve been out recently, you may have spotted a few signs that we’re entering a new season in more ways than one. Test trains are gliding through College Park and across the University of Maryland campus -- mostly overnight -- so sightings are becoming a bit of a local sport. Station canopies are rising, systems crews are everywhere, and the whole operation feels like it’s shifting from “construction zone” to “future transit line in motion.”

We’re also in the midst of a full round of Community Advisory Team meetings this spring, with updates on construction progress, testing timelines, safety messaging, and what neighbors can expect as summer work ramps up. Questions about noise, detours, and station access abound -- no surprise as the project becomes more visible (and audible) by the week.

Meanwhile, the Purple Line is nearing the 90 percent completion mark, with major civil work largely wrapped and systems integration taking center stage. Work zones and detours remain active -- from catenary installation in Chevy Chase and Lyttonsville to utility work in Silver Spring and ongoing activity at the Bethesda shaft and Elm Street site. And yes, the opening window still sits at late 2027, consistent with MDOT MTA’s current projections.

In this issue, we’ll walk you through the latest milestones, share highlights from the CAT meetings, flag a few traffic and access changes to keep on your radar, and point you toward some good reads and photos from around the corridor.

We always love hearing from you! If you have questions, ideas for future topics, photos from along the alignment, or feedback on this newsletter, please reach out. Your notes and observations help us understand what matters most to you and keep this feeling like a conversation rather than a one‑way update.

So grab whatever you’re sipping these days -- iced coffee, lemonade, or something celebratory -- and settle in for a friendly spring tour of what’s been happening along the Purple Line.

Warmly,
Christine

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Warm Thank You and a Gentle Ask

We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed during our big fundraising push last winter. Your generosity keeps Purple Line NOW going -- from producing this newsletter, to hosting public forums, to tracking and sharing information that might otherwise be hard to find in one place. We truly could not do this work without you.

We operate on a very lean budget, and while contributions are still coming in, they have slowed a bit this spring. If you have already given, please know how much we appreciate you. If you have not had the chance yet, we hope you will consider supporting us when it fits your circumstances. Even modest gifts make a real difference in our ability to stay engaged, informed, and responsive on behalf of the corridor.

Construction Progress -- The Project Takes Shape

If you have been watching the corridor over the years, the current moment feels different. As we mentioned, the project is nearing 90 percent completion, with 87 percent of track installed and all trackwork finished in Prince George’s County. That is a significant milestone for a project that has weathered contractor changes, cost increases, and schedule shifts.

On the ground, that progress shows up in tangible ways. Station platforms and canopies are emerging, retaining walls and bridges are complete or nearly so, and crews are turning their attention to finishing touches like lighting, signage, and landscaping. While there is still plenty of work to do, the overall picture is less “construction site” and more “transit line in progress.”

The remaining work is heavily focused on systems -- the complex web of power, signals, communications, and controls that must function seamlessly before the Purple Line can open to riders. It is painstaking, detailed work, but it is also the work that brings the line to life.

Testing Update -- Trains, Wires, and Signals

Testing is where the project’s visible progress really comes into focus. Over the past month, test trains have been running more frequently across the University of Maryland campus and in College Park. These runs are not just for show -- they are carefully planned exercises to confirm that the vehicles accelerate, brake, and communicate correctly with the signals and overhead catenary system.

Each segment of the alignment will go through a similar process. Crews test the newly installed rail, overhead wires, onboard systems, traffic signals, and gates, gradually layering in more complex scenarios. The goal is to identify and resolve issues now, long before passengers are on board.

Because the traffic control systems are not yet fully active in test areas, you may still see police officers and flaggers managing intersections during testing windows. The project team emphasizes that once testing begins in a section, the public should treat that area as live and expect to see trains at any time, day or night.

Traffic and Access Impacts -- What to Watch Right Now

Based on the latest MDOT MTA detour and construction updates, here are a few areas to keep an eye on:

• Chevy Chase Lake Drive -- Expect intermittent lane closures as utility work continues.
• Wisconsin Avenue to Elm Street Pedestrian Access -- The pedestrian detour remains in place, with routes via Waverly Street and Hampden Lane.
• Bethesda Overnight Work -- Overhead wire installation and concrete pours may occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., so some nighttime activity is likely.
• Lyttonsville and Greater Woodside -- Overhead catenary system installation continues, with occasional nighttime work.
• Spring Street Bridge in Silver Spring -- Ongoing work may require additional lane shifts as crews advance structural and finishing work.
• College Park and UMD -- Overnight testing may affect noise levels and traffic control near test zones, particularly around campus.

If you live, work, or travel through these areas, it is worth building in a little extra time and keeping an eye on MDOT MTA’s construction alerts for the latest details.

Community Advisory Team Meetings

As the Purple Line moves deeper into its testing and pre‑operations phase, this spring’s Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings have offered a valuable window into how the project is taking shape behind the scenes. Each CAT session focuses on a specific segment of the alignment, but several themes have emerged across all meetings -- painting a picture of a system steadily transitioning from construction to operation.

At the heart of these updates is the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility, now fully active as the headquarters for Purple Line Transit Operators. This is where the day‑to‑day life of the system will be managed: operator training, vehicle dispatching, communications, and maintenance. The facility’s wash bay, storage tracks, and repair areas are all up and running, supporting the fleet of 28 light rail vehicles, which were delivered ahead of schedule in late 2025.

Those vehicles have already completed their initial rounds of testing at Glenridge, where crews verified everything from propulsion and braking to overhead power connectivity and communication links between the trains and the operations center. With that foundational work complete, the project has shifted into the more visible -- and corridor‑wide -- phase of testing.

Testing is unfolding in phases along the alignment, beginning with the dedicated test track and progressing section by section through 2026. Each area undergoes a rigorous checklist: newly installed rail, overhead catenary wires, on‑board systems, traffic signals, gates, and the full suite of operational technologies that must work seamlessly before the system can open.

Because the traffic control systems are not yet active in these test zones, Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) crews are stationed at key intersections. That means police officers, flaggers, and occasional short‑term closures during the overnight testing window -- typically 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. The project team emphasizes that once testing begins in a section, the public should treat the area as “live,” with trains appearing periodically even if construction crews are still present.

To help communities prepare, the outreach team has been busy. Residents near testing areas may have already seen door hangers, variable message signs, and school safety presentations. The University of Maryland community has received targeted outreach as well, including signage and coordinated communication with campus partners. A new Testing and Safety page on PurpleLineMD.com brings together key information and reminders.

The message is simple but essential:

• Always expect a train.
• Use designated crossings.
• Never walk, bike, or park on the tracks.
• Treat all overhead wires as energized—these carry 1,500 volts DC and are extremely dangerous.

As the Purple Line edges closer to opening day, these CAT meetings are becoming one of the best ways to stay informed about what’s happening in your neighborhood. If you’d like to take a deeper look at the materials presented, we invite you to view the full slideshow available on the Purple Line website.

Photos from Around the Corridor

Thank you to MDOT MTA for sharing these photos. It is always encouraging to see how far the project has come!

Some Articles of Interest

If you would like to dive a bit deeper, here are two recent pieces that offer additional perspective and visuals:

• A feature on the latest Purple Line progress and context from Washingtonian:
  https://washingtonian.com/2026/04/03/the-latest-on-marylands-upcoming-purple-line/
• A photo‑rich look at the project from Greater Greater Washington:
  https://ggwash.org/view/102718/click-here-for-more-purple-line-pictures

Both are worth a read if you enjoy seeing how the project is being covered and photographed beyond our usual updates.

Beyond the Corridor -- Baltimore Red Line Meetings

For those who live in or keep an eye on the Baltimore region, MDOT MTA has announced a series of public open houses in May to discuss the future of the Baltimore Red Line. The agency is evaluating options for phasing the project and considering mode alternatives, including bus rapid transit, in light of funding uncertainties.

These meetings are an opportunity for community members to weigh in on how the project should move forward, balancing needs, budget, and timing. Details on dates, locations, and additional events are available here.

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to spring! If you’ve taken a drive around the corridor, you’ve probably noticed the snow has melted and we are finally trading winter grays for something a little brighter. The Purple Line is doing the same these days, and the past few weeks have brought a noticeable shift in energy up and down the alignment.

As Ray Biggs, Purple Line Senior Project Director at MDOT MTA, noted in his monthly newsletter, March brought both International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week! The Purple Line has hundreds of women shaping this project -- engineers, planners, construction crews, operations specialists, and more. We salute these awesome women and grateful for the work they do every day to make this project become a reality.

Construction is now 88.8% complete with track installation at 87% and you can feel that progress on the ground. As the weather warms, you’re likely to see more landscaping and station elements emerging -- and fewer orange cones -- as the project steadily transitions toward a year dominated by vehicle testing and systems integration.

Speaking of testing, we have a big development to share: Live wire testing is expanding into the University of Maryland campus, with overnight runs beginning a few weeks ago. There’s plenty more happening, so here’s a quick look at what you’ll find below in this edition:

Highlights

• Live wire testing expands into the University of Maryland campus
• Dynamic testing continues across the alignment, including College Park
• Brief overview of the latest Joint Chairmen’s Report (JCR) on Purple Line construction
• Spring Street Bridge timeline update
• Upcoming Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings
• Ongoing construction and detours across the corridor

As we head into spring, it’s heartening to see the Purple Line taking visible shape -- trains gliding along various parts of the alignment at night, station elements emerging along the corridor, and construction inching ever closer to the finish line. The latest state report gives us a clearer picture of what’s ahead: A big push toward substantial completion in 2026, followed by a year of rigorous testing to ensure the system is safe, reliable, and ready for riders.

We’ll continue keeping you informed through it all. Thanks, as always, for reading, for sharing your questions, and for being part of this community that cares so deeply about getting this project right.

Warmly,
Christine

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

Your Support Keeps Us Moving Forward

As the Purple Line moves into this next major phase of testing and system integration, we’ve been reflecting on the long arc of this project -- and on the people who have walked alongside us for so many years. Purple Line NOW has been advocating for this line for decades, and many of you have been with us just as long. Your commitment, your questions, your encouragement, and your generosity have shaped this work every step of the way.

Our mission has always been bigger than simply providing updates. We clarify information, communicate openly with the public, and advocate for initiatives that help make the Purple Line a reality. And we do it without corporate underwriting, government grants, annual dues, or large institutional funding, but rather by you, our neighbors, riders, students, businesses, and supporters who believe in a more connected, more accessible region.

Your contributions make everything we do possible. They keep our newsletters consistent, our public forums free, and our advocacy strong at a moment when clear, reliable information is more important than ever. We truly could not do this without you.

Below, you’ll find a list of the generous donors who are already supporting our work this year. If you don’t see your name -- and you’d like to support our mission -- we would be honored to add you. Just click the purple DONATE NOW! box below. Every gift, of every size, helps sustain the work we do together.

From all of us at Purple Line NOW, thank you for standing with us, for believing in this project, and for helping us carry this momentum into the months ahead. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Featured Donors
Maryland Department of Transportation
The Sanders-Malloy Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters
Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers
Isiah Leggett
Ben Ross
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors
Jodie Kulpa-Eddy
John Robinson
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters
Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Ralph Bennett, Glen Bottoms, Peter Gray, Gerrit Knaap, Francine Meyer, Kathy Porter, Tom Quinn, Webb Smedley, John Undeland

Passengers
Louise & Ross Capon, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Mike DeLong, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jay Miller, Judith Morenoff, James Riley, Michael Volk

Live Wire Testing Expands Into the University of Maryland Campus

The Purple Line team has announced a major milestone for Prince George’s County: Live wire testing of the light rail vehicles (LRVs) is now underway on the University of Maryland campus, with overnight testing beginning a few weeks ago.

This phase has been months in the making. Technical crews, safety teams, local agencies, and UMD officials have been coordinating behind the scenes to prepare the corridor for energized testing -- a critical step toward full system integration.

Testing takes place nightly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with LRVs operating quietly but fully energized. Intersections are briefly closed by police or flaggers as trains pass through. The testing route runs from the College Park–UMD Station, across Route 1, and along Campus Drive to the Adelphi Road–UMGC–UMD Station.

The outreach team has installed dozens of weatherproof signs across campus and launched a new Testing & Safety webpage with videos and tips. The message is simple and important: Treat every track as active.

This is one of the most visible signs yet that the Purple Line is entering its long, complex testing and commissioning phase.

Dynamic Testing Expands Along the Alignment -- Including College Park

Dynamic testing -- where LRVs run on energized track to validate power, braking, and communications -- continues to broaden across the corridor. In College Park, trains have been spotted moving between the future Campus Drive, East Campus, and M Square stations. PLN President Ralph Bennett (who moonlights as a UMD professor when he’s not doing PLN duty!) even caught a few trains “in the wild” on campus.

It is clear that the project is shifting from heavy construction toward operational readiness. Each test run helps confirm that track, power, and signal systems are working together as intended, and it gives the community a glimpse of what daily service will eventually feel like.

Photo Courtesy of Ralph Bennett

Photo Courtesy of Ralph Bennett

Key Takeaways from the Full JCR Construction Status Report

The March 2026 Joint Chairmen's Report, summarizing progress through January 31, 2026, offers several important developments.

Construction Nearing 90% -- But Testing Will Continue for Over a Year

The report clarifies:

“Although substantial construction completion is anticipated by late 2026, the system will undergo rigorous testing for more than one year beyond the construction completion date.”

This means 2027 will be dominated by systems integration, safety certification, and demonstration testing.

Capital Crescent Trail Reopening Shifts to Fall 2026

The CCT completion date has been updated:

“The Capital Crescent Trail projected completion date has been updated to Fall 2026 due to continued use for construction access.”

Weather‑dependent grading and wall work continue, and MTA notes it will reopen portions only when safe to do so.

Why This Matters

The JCR update is one of the clearest windows into the project’s true status -- steady construction progress, a long testing period ahead, and active work to resolve schedule risks.

Spring Street Bridge Timeline Update

As we noted in our previous newsletter, the Spring Street Bridge in downtown Silver Spring -- long a bottleneck in the construction schedule -- is now expected to reopen in summer 2026, a shift from the earlier spring estimate. The delay stems from the complexity of utility relocations and coordination with CSX and MARC operations. Crews continue to work extended hours when possible, and once complete, the bridge will provide improved pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular connections to the future 16th Street/Woodside station.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

High‑Impact Construction Continues

The agency’s latest updates highlight several closures and detours still in effect, with an interactive map available for residents tracking neighborhood‑level impacts. As always, we encourage you to check in with their construction updates on their website.

Construction continues across the corridor, including:

• Overhead wire installation
• Utility relocations
• Intermittent lane closures
• Occasional overnight work
• Pedestrian detours around active work zones

Expect periodic noise and traffic disruptions as crews push toward major milestones. The project team continues to emphasize safety and encourages everyone to follow posted signage and avoid entering work areas.

Spring Community Advisory Team Meetings Set

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings are scheduled for April 14–28, offering residents a chance to hear updates specific to their segment, ask questions, and stay engaged as the project moves into its testing‑heavy phase.

All CAT meetings are scheduled from 6 pm - 7:30 pm, with Microsoft Teams links posted at Purple Line MD | Public Meetings and Events. The Spring 2026 CAT schedule is:

Tuesday, April 14 University Boulevard
Thursday, April 16 Long Branch
Tuesday, April 21 Lyttonsville/Woodside
Wednesday, April 22 Riverdale Park/New Carrollton
Thursday, April 23 Bethesda/Chevy Chase
Monday, April 27 College Park
Tuesday, April 28 Silver Spring

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