Welcome to the Purple Line NOW Newsletter

We’ve got a fresh batch of updates and behind-the-scenes insights to keep you in the loop as the Purple Line rolls forward. From key construction detours and closures to project highlights, this edition is designed to inform, inspire, and maybe even spark a few “ah-ha!” moments.

So settle in, scroll on, and let us take you on a quick ride through what’s new and noteworthy!

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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Purple Line NOW Forum: Coming This September!
  • Are You a Purple Line NOW Supporter?
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Paul Wiedefeld Steps Down as Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation
  • Help Us Highlight Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor
• Construction Updates
  • Construction Progress & Milestones
  • Closures & Detours
  • Ninth Purple Line Light Rail Vehicle Arrives!
  • How Will You Access the Nearest Purple Line Station or the CCT Trail?
  • Safety First!

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. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Purple Line NOW Forum: Coming This September!

Get ready, transit fans! The trains are rolling (at least on the test track!) and Purple Line NOW is planning its next big forum to keep you in the loop!

Slated for mid-September (we’ll announce the exact date soon, so keep those eyes peeled), this informative event will spotlight everything you need to know as the Purple Line enters an exciting new phase. From what happens when we move into the testing phase, to access point particulars, as well as behind-the-scenes project updates, we’ve got a lot to share!

We’re inviting top leaders from the Purple Line team and both counties to bring their insights and knowledge. Whether you're a daily commuter, local business owner, or just a curious neighbor, this forum promises to be engaging, energizing, and packed with useful info.

 Stay tuned! More details coming your way soon!

Become a Purple Line NOW Donor

We hope you are a Purple Line NOW supporter -- if you aren't sure, have a peek at our donor list!

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

Paul Wiedefeld Steps Down as Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation

We join many across the state in acknowledging the resignation of Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, who will step away from public service on August 1 after more than 40 years in transportation leadership. During his tenure, Secretary Wiedefeld helped reposition the department to prioritize safety, secured over $5 billion in federal grants for infrastructure improvements, and led a swift response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

Of particular importance to our community, Secretary Wiedefeld played a pivotal role in keeping the Purple Line project on track, ensuring continued progress on our transformative light rail line. His leadership helped launch dynamic vehicle testing, advance station construction, and support small businesses impacted by construction through targeted grant programs.

We were especially grateful and delighted to welcome Secretary Wiedefeld as our guest speaker at our most recent Purple Line NOW forum. He generously answered questions from attendees and shared valuable insights and updates on the project’s progress. His candor and commitment to transparency were deeply appreciated.

We thank Secretary Wiedefeld for his distinguished service and wish him well in his next chapter.

Help us Highlight Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor

Many businesses along the corridor are doing their best as we plow through the heavy construction phase of the project, but often could use a little boost by way of a friendly reminder to all of us, residents and workers alike, that they are still open for business and hope you'll remember them as you plan where you'll eat and shop. If you know of a business or area that might need a little boost, send the information our way and we'll be sure to include them in future editions of the Purple Line NOW Newsletter when we can.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Construction Progress & Milestones

• Project is now 76% complete with 20 stations under construction and over 67,500 feet of track laid out of the planned 193,100.
• Dynamic testing of light rail vehicles continues along Veterans Parkway and other segments of the alignment.
• Bridge construction underway at key intersections, including Connecticut Avenue and Kenilworth Avenue/Riverdale Road.
• Campus Drive near River Road at UMD has a traffic shift in place to allow track installation to the Metro station.

Closures & Detours

• Wayne Avenue & Fenton Street intersection** in Silver Spring is closed through August 2025, affecting Ride On routes 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, and 28.
• East Wayne Avenue is temporarily one-way westbound only through August 21, 2025, for track installation. 
• Ellin Road remains closed between Harkins Road and Emerson Place with two-way traffic open from Emerson Place to Veterans Parkway.
• Bonifant Street continues to operate one-way toward Fenton Street; sidewalk upgrades are underway and expected to wrap up by year’s end.

Ninth Purple Line Light Rail Vehicle Arrives!

We are celebrating the arrival of the ninth Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), a sleek 142-foot addition to the growing Purple Line fleet. Shipped in from New York, the new LRV now resides at the Operations and Maintenance Facility in Prince George’s County! Click here to see its arrival in action!

How Will You Access the Nearest Purple Line Station or the CCT Trail?

We encourage you to get involved! Take a look at these trail connection maps which includes each of the hiker/biker paths as well as community connection to the Capital Crescent Trail. Check out your neighborhood and if you have questions regarding how you get to a station or trail, contact the Purple Line Outreach team or us here at Purple Line NOW and we'll help connect you to the correct entity in order to understand where and how to access stations and the trail.

Safety First!

In the latest edition of MDOT MTA's Purple Line newsletter, riders received some great updates on accessibility and safety features. Purple Line light rail vehicles (LRVs) are equipped with bike racks and have low floors to easily facilitate “rolling on” with a bike. The LRVs are level with the platform, minimizing steps or gaps and making it easier to board, especially for passengers with bicycles. MDOT also highlighted 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!

STAY CONNECTED

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.