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

• Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel
• Temporary Bus Stop Location Changes
• Photos from Around the Purple Line Corridor
• Mark Your Calendar for the Next Purple Line Forum: April 15!

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS TO KNOW

Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel

We have several updates for you today, first and foremost, Purple Line NOW’s response to the news that the pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue (at the west end of the line) has not been added to the Capital Improvement Plan. County Executive Elrich declined to add funding for the project to his budget, citing increasing cost estimates as engineering designs became more complete. You can read more about that decision here.

PLN supports adding the tunnel into the budget and fulfilling the commitment made to the community years ago. As most of you know, the project has the support of the hiking and biking community precisely because of the promise to complete the trail and to commit to building the tunnel so that bikers and pedestrians can have a safe and efficient crossing. 

The decision to add the tunnel to the budget now rests with the Montgomery County Council. If you share our belief that trail users should have a quality alternative to crossing busy Wisconsin at-grade, we encourage you to connect with the Council Member for your district, as well as all At-Large Council Members, and ask them to prioritize funding in the coming budget.

Purple Line NOW Board President Ralph Bennett testified to the County Council last Thursday on behalf of adding the tunnel to the county budget. Here is his testimony:

My name is Ralph Bennett; I am Board President of Purple Line NOW, longtime advocates for the project.

We understand that the pedestrian/bicycle tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue at the West end of the line has been completely deleted from the Capital Improvement Plan, both for next year and beyond. There are two problems for us with this proposal.

Commitments were made years ago to complete the Capital Crescent Trail with a parallel pedestrian/bicycle path parallel to the Purple Line Tracks under Wisconsin Ave.

We understand that construction complexities have caused the cost of the tunnel to rise as a result of construction of the replacement of the Apex Building over the Bethesda Purple Line Station – precisely the kind of capital investment the Purple Line was predicted and intended to stimulate.

We do not feel that this complexity justifies abandoning commitments made about the project, particularly given the added tax revenue the new building will provide.

Moreover, the at-grade alternative proposed compromises the efficient, safe nature of the new trail. The new trail that is being constructed along the Purple Line alignment has improved crossings at Connecticut Avenue and Jones Bridge Road. It would be a shame to lose the formerly safe and efficient underground crossing at heavily trafficked Wisconsin Avenue.

Secondly, time is critical – while the area is under construction, now is the time to do the work. Economies will result from the projects’ being built together as they are on other parts of the line – future construction will only be more expensive and extend the inconvenience of construction.

Please do not forfeit this opportunity to keep the promise and get the entire project completed on time.

Thank you.

Temporary Bus Stop Location Changes

In response to Purple Line and Capital Crescent Trail construction in and around the Silver Spring Transit Center, there have been some temporary changes that will impact some Ride On bus passengers. Several Ride On bus stops in the transit center have been temporarily relocated to the street to safely accommodate Purple Line work, which is expected to continue in this area through spring. Temporary bus stop locations have been placed along northbound Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue and Georgia Avenue), on the second floor of the transit center, and on East-West Highway and Colesville Road. Click the link for the full statement and additional information. 

Photo Courtesy of Montgomery County

Photos from Around the Purple Line Corridor

Progress! Here are a few snaps from around the corridor of Purple Line construction.

Photo Courtesy of MTA MDOT and PLTP

Photo Courtesy of MTA MDOT and PLTP

Photo Courtesy of MTA MDOT and PLTP

PURPLE LINE NOW NEWS AND EVENTS

We have a date for the next Purple Line NOW forum! Mark your calendar in ink for Getting Ready for the First Purple Line Ride! on April 15, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Montgomery College. You will be able to reserve your seat soon, so stay tuned for more details on this educational and interesting evening for both Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Remember, our forums are always free and open to the public and press, but because of space limitations, we ask that you reserve your seat in advance. We'll be sending out an invitation soon, so keep your eye out for it.

PURPLE LINE NOW ACTION

Call Your Councilmember

The decision to add the tunnel to the budget now rests with the Montgomery County Council. If you share our belief that trail users should have a quality alternative to crossing busy Wisconsin at-grade, we encourage you to connect with the Councilmember for your district, as well as all At-Large Council Members, and ask them to prioritize funding in the coming budget.

Can You Help Purple Line NOW Continue Its Work?

Purple Line NOW still needs your donations during the year and we appreciate every penny donated. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by clicking on the black donate button below. Thank you!

We are grateful for ALL of our donors - thank you, thank you, for stepping up to help Purple Line NOW continue its work!

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