Hello, Purple Line NOW Friends!

Hello and welcome to this edition of Purple Line NOW News! Whether you’ve been with us for a while or catching up after a short pause, we are so glad you’re here. As the Purple Line continues to take shape across our communities, we’re bringing you the latest updates and insights from the heart of the corridor. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let us walk you through what’s happening in and around the construction zone including progress, challenges, and moments that remind us why this project matters.

We’re also hard at work planning our next virtual forum entitled "The Trains Are Rolling — What Should We Know?!" We will confirm the date soon, along with a reservation link so you can join us from wherever you are. Keep your eyes on the lookout!

And for the first time ever, we’re inviting our readers to consider becoming an event sponsor for the forum. Whether it’s your name, your company, or your organization, sponsors will be recognized during the presentation as a valued part of making this event possible. More information is below -- we hope you’ll consider lending your support!

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Become An Event Sponsor!
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Community Advisory Committee (CAT) Meetings to Resume
  • Supporting Local Business Near Metro Lines
  • Eastern Silver Spring Events You Might Be Interested In
  • Mpact Innovators Coffee Chat
• Construction Updates
  • Expanded Dynamic Testing Update
  • Purple Line Construction Updates
  • In Case You Missed It
  • Safety First!

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Become an Event Sponsor!

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we are thrilled to share a brand-new way to champion the mission of Purple Line NOW: become a sponsor of our upcoming virtual forum!

This exciting event brings together key voices including project leaders and local officials for a lively and forward-thinking conversation about the Purple Line’s future. As a small but mighty organization, we count on the kindness and commitment of supporters like you to help us make these forums not just possible, but informational and helpful.

Our forums are always free and open to everyone -- community members, press, and curious minds alike.

We’ve created a range of sponsorship levels to make it easy for anyone to contribute, no matter the size of the gift. Every donation helps us build a welcoming space for learning, sharing, and progress. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering Purple Line NOW, we’d love to have you on board.

All sponsors will be recognized during the live event, featured on our website, and included in any materials we share. And for our leading sponsor, we’re offering a special moment to kick off the forum with a few words of encouragement and community spirit.

Suggested Sponsorship Levels

Level Name	Suggested Giving	Visibility & Benefits
Trailblazer Sponsor	$2,500	- Featured speaking slot (2–3 minutes) at the top of the event - Logo or name on event slide deck and registration page - Featured in post-event newsletter and social media -(Level limited to two sponsors)
Connector Sponsor	$1,000	- Logo or name on event slide deck and registration page - Mention in post-event newsletter and social media
Momentum Partner	$500	- Name listed on event slide deck - Mention in post-event newsletter and social media
Neighbor Ally	$250	- Name listed on event slide deck - Mention in post-event newsletter
Community Builder	$100	- Name listed on group thank-you slide during event - Mention in post-event newsletter
Forum Friend	$50	- Name listed on group thank-you slide during event - Name included in post-event newsletter

We are deeply grateful for your consideration and support. All sponsorships of any size are appreciated and welcomed.

Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

We appreciate the generous support of all of our donors!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Community Advisory Committee (CAT) Meetings to Resume

Upcoming fall Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings will begin Monday, September 29, offering community members a chance to hear directly from project leaders, ask questions, and see the latest progress. You can find more information here.

Community Event Spotlight: Supporting Local Business Near Metro Lines

We want to share an upcoming event hosted by the Action Committee for Transit (ACT) that may be of interest to our readers:

ACT September Meeting

Topic: Supporting Local Business Near Metro Lines
Speaker: David Schneider, Silver Spring resident, local activist, and co-creator of the MetroMatch platform
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Location: Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD

Join David Schneider as he shares insights from his visits to every business on Bonifant Street and introduces MetroMatch -- a platform he developed with fellow transit advocate Valerie Berton to help connect Metro riders with nearby local businesses.

Eastern Silver Spring Events You Might Be Interested In

As the Purple Line edges closer to reality, Montgomery Planning is ramping up efforts to shape the future of housing, public spaces, and connectivity along the eastern side of the corridor, especially near the future Manchester Place station.

Two upcoming events offer a chance for local voices to help guide how this vital infrastructure integrates into the community:

September 4: Faith-Based Community Conversation, Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, 6:00 p.m.

Faith-based organizations are invited to share perspectives on housing, equity, sustainability, and neighborhood growth. This is a unique opportunity to ensure spiritual and cultural anchors are part of the planning vision. Register here (encouraged but not required)

September 25: Open House Near Manchester Place Station, Highland View Elementary School, 9010 Providence Avenue, Drop in anytime between 7:00–9:00 p.m.

This open house is especially relevant to Purple Line NOW readers. Planning staff will present ideas and gather input on how the Manchester Place station can best serve the community through improved connections, housing opportunities, and local amenities. Register here (encouraged but not required)

Mpact Innovators Coffee Chat: Public Engagement – Sept 12

The next Mpact Innovators Coffee Chat on Friday, September 12, from 10–11am Central, offers a dive into the topic of Public Engagement. These informal chats are a chance to connect with peers across the transit, land use, and development world -- no presentations, just real conversation. Bring your coffee (or favorite beverage), turn on your camera, and join the dialogue. All experience levels welcome!

Hosted by: Christina Gotuaco Philip, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Click here to register.

Brought to you by the Mpact Innovators (formerly Rail~Volution) a national network supporting emerging leaders in mobility and development.

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Expanded Dynamic Testing Update

The Purple Line light rail project is currently over 80% (!!) complete, marking a significant milestone as the project moves into the testing phase. This 16-mile line will connect Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George's County and is scheduled to open in December 2027. The focus has shifted from construction to dynamic testing to ensure the safe and efficient operation of light rail vehicles before public service begins. 

In their recent newsletter, the MTA team put together a Q&A regarding what is happening along the alignment in terms of testing that we thought you might be interested in:

Dynamic testing of Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) is expanding to a new section of track soon. Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO), the group that will operate and maintain the Light Rail System, gave an update on the testing process, which will soon take place from our Glenridge Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) to New Carrollton at the eastern end of the alignment.

Question: Other than the LRVs, what components of the system are being tested in the next phase of dynamic testing?

Answer: During the expanded dynamic testing phase, the project team is evaluating more than just the trains. Six key components of the track system are being tested, including different types of track used on streets, bridges and tunnels; the switches that allow trains to move smoothly between tracks; the alignment of the track; the electrical systems that keep trains running safely; and the communications systems that connect operators to the control center. These tests make sure the entire system is safe, reliable, and ready for passengers when service begins.

Q: How is the next phase of testing different from the first phase on the test track?

A: The initial testing phase focused on qualification of the LRVs, including acceleration and braking, while expanded dynamic testing will evaluate the integration between the LRVs and other key systems. During expanded dynamic testing, LRVs will operate on the two-mile eastern end of the alignment. Testing is planned from the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) on Veterans Parkway, across Annapolis Road, continuing along Veterans Parkway, and onto Ellin Road towards New Carrollton. The Maintenance of Traffic will be overseen by MTS, with traffic held at each point where the LRV crosses the roadway to allow for uninterrupted, safe testing. The operators are trained to be alert for anyone or anything that may impede the operation of the LRV and to be ready to act accordingly.

Q: How are you keeping safety in mind as testing expands?

A: Safety is always the top priority. Project staff are trained on rail safety using extensive classroom and field training. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide clear, consistent guidelines that support safe and reliable operations. PLTO’s Director of Rail Operations ensures trains move according to proper procedures.

Q: How can the public do their part to keep themselves and others safe?

A: Drivers should always avoid distractions and focus on driving safely around a work zone. Vehicles should drive across tracks at designated crossings and follow all traffic signals and flaggers. Pedestrians and bicyclists should always use crosswalks and obey signage when crossing roads and tracks. Everyone should always stay alert, keep their phone away, headphones off and eyes up.

Purple Line Construction Updates

The Maryland Purple Line continues to shape the future of transit across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, bringing new connections and revitalized infrastructure to communities along its 16-mile route. As construction continues, residents and commuters are seeing both exciting milestones and temporary disruptions. Here’s a quick roundup to help keep you in the loop:

• Fenton Street & Wayne Avenue Intersection (Silver Spring): After a summer-long closure for track installation and stormwater upgrades, this key intersection is expected to reopen shortly after September 8. The delay from August was due to unexpected utility conflicts.
• Spring Street Bridge Reconstruction (Silver Spring): Work continues on relocating overhead utilities in coordination with CSX, MARC, and Metro. The bridge is slated to reopen by the end of 2025.
• Bethesda Headhouse Excavation: Crews are actively excavating the shaft that will connect the Purple Line to Metro’s Red Line. Work may occur 24/7 through August and September, with noise mitigation measures in place during nighttime hours.
• University of Maryland Campus Closures:
  • Rossborough Lane: Closed west of Baltimore Avenue and east to Diamondback Drive. ADA-compliant pedestrian detours are in place.
  • Campus Drive & University Boulevard: Periodic lane closures through October between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Flaggers will maintain traffic flow.
  • River Road & Haig Drive: New traffic signals activated in late August to improve safety near the Division of IT building.

As the Purple Line edges closer to its anticipated launch in winter 2027, these updates reflect the complex choreography of building a modern transit system in densely populated areas. Whether you're navigating detours or watching the transformation unfold, the journey toward a more connected Maryland is well underway.

In Case You Missed It

What is happening with the Spring Street Bridge and Bethesda Purple Line station? A Q&A with the Purple Line’s Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II.

Safety First!

MDOT highlights the Purple Line’s Ride Safe campaign, reminding everyone to “Be particular. Ride perpendicular!” when crossing tracks to avoid accidents.

We want to remind everyone to slow down when driving through construction zones. The road may be bumpy so heed all speed limits and keep an eagle eye out for those hard-working construction workers!

As trains begin testing on tracks and traffic continues to be detoured due to ongoing construction, it is important to be more aware than ever when on foot or bike! 

When crossing Purple Line tracks:

• Use crosswalks.
• Cross at a right angle, perpendicular to the tracks.
• Do not ride parallel in the trackway – tires will get caught.
• Use extra caution when wet or frozen – rail can be slippery.

We'll have more safety tips in future newsletters, but please be careful and exercise caution as you navigate these new surroundings!

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