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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Become a Purple Line NOW Donor
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Continue
  • Latest Purple Line Progress Video
• Construction Updates
  • The Purple Line: More Than Just a Train!
  • Highlights from the Community Advisory Team Meetings
  • Safety First!
  • Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work
    
    

***Happy spring, everyone! Today's newsletter is jam-packed with goodies, so sit down, grab a cool beverage, and have a read! If you live along the alignment, tune into an upcoming CAT meeting. If you want to know why the Purple Line is more than just a train -- scroll down a bit to see many of the benefits the project has to offer! And, if you are wondering about when the Silver Spring bridge will open or how to stay safe as construction continues, keep on reading!***

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Become a Purple Line NOW Donor

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we have received from so many in our community. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our donors—people like you who believe in the power of public transportation to strengthen our communities. We couldn’t do what we do without your contributions which enable us to continue our mission of advocating for a successful Purple Line and a transit-friendly future.

Donations help sustain our efforts to produce our informative newsletters, host free forums, and work diligently to champion transit-friendly policies. These resources also help us support Purple Line-adjacent bills as they make their way through our general assembly and policies on a bi-county level that affect all of us.

If you didn't have an opportunity to give (or it slipped to the bottom of your to do pile!), we are always in need of financial support and appreciate every gift, no matter the season. You can donate by clicking on the purple "DONATE TODAY" link below.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference—one step closer to a brighter, better-connected Maryland!

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 matched 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

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Continue

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings continue - below are the upcoming meetings left! See below for an update on those that have already occurred. As always, you can find the transcripts of the meetings at the project website.

• Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside CAT Meeting: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 6:00 PM
• Riverdale Park/New Carrollton/Glenridge CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM
• Silver Spring CAT Meeting: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:00 PM
• Bethesda/Chevy Chase CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:00 PM

Latest Purple Line Progress Video

Maryland Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II provides the latest progress update on the Purple Line project for Spring 2025. Construction advances steadily across the 16-mile alignment from New Carrollton in Prince George's County to Bethesda in Montgomery County. Significant milestones are being achieved as development continues.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

The Purple Line: More Than Just a Train!

When you think of the Purple Line, you might picture a sleek light rail zipping through Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, connecting communities and cutting down commute times. But here’s the thing—this project is so much more than just a transit line! It’s a once-in-a-generation overhaul of our region’s infrastructure, and the benefits will ripple through our communities for decades to come, whether you ever step foot on the train or not.

Let’s dive into some of the hidden gems of the Purple Line project:

• Modernized Utility Infrastructure: Did you know that some of our utility systems—water, gas, and electrical lines—are decades old? The Purple Line is replacing these outdated systems with modern ones that meet today’s safety and efficiency standards. This means fewer service disruptions, more reliable utilities for residents and businesses, and a safer environment overall. It’s like giving our community a much-needed tech upgrade!
• Improved Stormwater Management: With climate change bringing more intense storms, managing water has never been more critical. The Purple Line includes upgraded drainage systems designed to prevent flooding and reduce water pollution. These improvements protect property, keep our streets safer, and contribute to a healthier environment. It’s a win-win for everyone.
• Enhanced Public Safety: By bringing utilities up to code, the project minimizes risks like gas leaks and electrical faults. This creates a safer living and working environment for all of us.
• Increased Capacity for Growth: Our region is growing, and modernized utilities are key to supporting that growth. The new systems can handle higher demand, paving the way for future development and making our area more attractive to businesses and residents alike. 
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: The upgraded utility systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing overall energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for our community. 
• Economic Boost: The construction and infrastructure upgrades are creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. Plus, the improved utilities make our area more appealing for new investments and development opportunities. 
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Outdated systems are expensive to maintain and prone to breakdowns. The new, up-to-date infrastructure will require less frequent repairs, saving money for utility providers—and ultimately for all of us as residents.

The Purple Line isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about building a stronger, safer, and more resilient community. From modernized utility conduits to upgraded stormwater systems and new communication cables, the extensive nature of these improvements is staggering. This project is setting our region up for success, not just for today, but for generations to come.

We all need a reminder that the Purple Line is more than a train—it’s a transformative investment in our community’s future. And that’s something we can all get on board with!

Highlights from the Community Advisory Team Meetings

The College Park, Long Branch, and University Boulevard CAT meetings occurred earlier this month. As always, you can find the video and slide show at the project website. 

If you live or work in one of these areas, we strong encourage you to check out the presentations where you'll find lots of information about the work that has been completed, is ongoing, and coming soon in the next few months. You can also view highlights from the presentation on the slide show. The project is 76% complete (amazing!) and as you may have read, entering into the "dynamic testing" phase. If you drive along Veterans Highway, you may have caught a glimpse of one of the shiny rail cars being tested along the one-mile stretch of testing track!

During the presentations at all the CATS that have occurred so far, the panel from the Purple Line team highlighted what we should expect during this testing phase:

• Initial testing will occur on one mile of dedicated alignment track at the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) site with no public access.

• LRV testing includes braking and propulsion, vehicle safety systems, emergency communications, signals and switches.

You may notice:

• Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) moving along the test track at varying speeds.
• Periodic horn and bell testing.
• Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Wires which carry 1500 Volts DC. Assume all OCS wires are live and carrying extremely dangerous electric current at all times. 
• The test track is fenced and highly visible "Danger" signs are posted in multiple locations.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Safety First!

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!

Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work

A key element of the Purple Line's design, demanding significant collaboration between agencies, is the Spring Street Bridge in Silver Spring. Following a review of the current track installation timeline in this area, the project team now estimates that the bridge will be ready to open by late 2025. Until the completion of this work, the detour previously outlined by the Purple Line Outreach team (accessible through the attached document and available on their website) will remain in effect.

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