Welcome to the Purple Line NOW Newsletter

We're thrilled to have you here for another edition of all things Purple Line! Whether you're a transit advocate, a curious commuter, or just someone who loves staying in the loop, we've got plenty of updates, insights, and a little fun along the way. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's dive into the latest happenings!

Here’s what’s going on right now:

• Construction Continues: The Purple Line is moving forward, though some businesses along the corridor are feeling the impact of delays and detours.
• Community Advisory Team Meetings: Spring meetings have just wrapped up, offering updates on construction progress and community concerns. Find the recordings and slide show here.
• New Development Near the Line: A medical office building in Silver Spring is set to be converted into apartments, taking advantage of the future transit access.
• What to Expect During the Dynamic Testing Phase and Beyond: Short track testing has begun near the OMF Building.

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 Have Concluded
  • Sketch Plan Approved to Redevelop Medical Plaza in Silver Spring
  • First time in 50 years, Fish Swim Upstream at Long Branch & Piney Branch Road
• Construction Updates
  • What's Happening Now
  • Summer Construction Ahead: A Few Detours on the Road to a Better Commute
  • 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?

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 Have Concluded

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings have concluded, but all of the information can be found at the project website. Be sure to have a peek to see where construction is headed in your area.

Sketch Plan Approved to Redevelop Medical Plaza in Silver Spring

The Montgomery County Planning Board has unanimously approved a sketch plan to redevelop the University Boulevard Medical Plaza into a modern 148-unit apartment building. The project, led by Sonina Properties, aims to replace the aging medical office building with a vibrant residential space that better serves the community.

One of the most promising aspects of this development is its proximity to the Purple Line, with two future stations—Takoma Langley and Piney Branch—just a short walk away. This means easier commutes, better connectivity, and increased accessibility for residents. The Purple Line will provide a direct link to key destinations, making it a game-changer for those who rely on public transit.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early to mid-2026, marking a significant step forward in revitalizing University Boulevard and embracing the benefits of transit-oriented development. With the Purple Line nearby, residents will enjoy greater mobility, reduced reliance on cars, and a more connected community.

Source: Bethesda Magazine, May 19, 2025. "Plan to convert Silver Spring medical offices to apartments moves forward." Available at Bethesda Magazine.

First time in 50 years, Fish Swim Upstream at Long Branch & Piney Branch Road

A once-blocked stream in Silver Spring is now open to native fish for the first time in 50 years, thanks to a restoration project by Montgomery Parks and the Maryland Transit Administration. The Long Branch tributary, previously obstructed by a concrete barrier, now features a specially engineered fish ladder, allowing species like the eastern blacknose dace, creek chub, and white sucker to reconnect. The project, part of the Purple Line’s environmental mitigation efforts, also raised the streambed and stabilized the channel to improve aquatic biodiversity and water quality. Officials hope these upgrades will eventually allow migratory species like the American eel to return.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

You can read more here: 

Montgomery Parks. (2025, April 22). Montgomery Parks and the Purple Line complete fish passage project that provides environmental benefits for the region. Montgomery Parks. https://montgomeryparks.org/montgomery-parks-and-the-purple-line-complete-fish-passage-project-that-provides-environmental-benefits-for-the-region/

Brown, S. (2025, May 9). Stream restoration under Purple Line opens creek in Silver Spring. WUSA9. https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/purple-line-silver-spring-maryland-montgomery-parks-long-branch/65-fcec2d50-908e-41cd-a64d-7947383f90b2

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

What's Happening Now

If you’ve been following the Purple Line journey—or caught the latest Purple Line NOW Newsletter  -- you know something exciting is happening: dynamic testing is officially underway! That’s right—after years of anticipation, the project is moving full steam ahead (or rather, full rail speed ahead) toward bringing a modern, efficient transit solution to Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Catch the video here if you missed it.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

As the sleek light rail vehicles roll out onto a one-mile test track near the Operations and Maintenance Facility on Veterans Parkway in Glenridge, Maryland, engineers are putting them through their paces, testing braking, propulsion, electrical systems, signals, and communications to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. Think of it like a dress rehearsal before these trains make their big debut across the full route.

What’s Next?

Testing will ramp up throughout 2026, with more light rail vehicles arriving for evaluation. Once the trains pass their tests on the dedicated track, they’ll begin making their way onto longer stretches of the Purple Line route. It's thrilling to see the pieces falling into place!

Spotting a Test Train? Here’s What You Need to Know!

As testing expands, you might spot Purple Line trains cruising along the tracks. If you do, enjoy the sight—but stay safe! While it’s tempting to stop and snap a photo, remember to follow all traffic and pedestrian rules. The next year will be a game-changer for this transit project, and we’re one step closer to riding the Purple Line for real.

Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime—keep your eyes peeled for test trains on the horizon!

Summer Construction Ahead: A Few Detours on the Road to a Better Commute

Exciting changes are on the horizon as Purple Line construction moves full speed ahead! With each passing day, we get closer to the long-awaited transit improvements that will make traveling through our region more seamless, sustainable, and efficient. But—like any great transformation—a temporary inconvenience is part of the process.

This summer, several key intersections and roads will experience closures and detours to accommodate construction progress. Here are a few of them, but we strongly encourage you to sign up for construction texts to help keep you informed:

Bethesda/Chevy Chase 

• Work continues on the Bethesda Headhouse, affecting pedestrian access near Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Excavation for the Purple Line connection to Metro’s Red Line will involve periodic blasting through June 2025.
• Excavation for the shaft that will connect the Purple Line to Metro's Red Line in Bethesda will continue through June 2025. This operation will include blasting the rock within the shaft located at the work zone on Elm Street at Wisconsin Avenue. Blasting is planned during daytime hours, with additional work in the area occurring over multiple shifts between excavation and removal of spoils from the site. In advance of each blast, a warning horn will be activated. The use of backup alarms will be limited during nighttime hours. Work may occur in two shifts, weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Silver Spring/Takoma Park

• On or about June 18, through August 21, 2025, crews will install light rail tracks, reconstruct sidewalks, and complete stormwater drainage and utility crossings across the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. This work will require a temporary full closure of the Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street intersection to vehicular traffic. To minimize disruption, construction has been scheduled to coincide with the local school summer break. However, some WMATA and Ride-On bus routes may be affected. Please check directly with your transit service provider for any updates or detour information. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Please follow posted signage and directions from on-site personnel.

University Boulevard & Piney Branch Road

• Starting June 13, left turns will be restricted at this intersection, and thru traffic should avoid Dale Drive between Colesville Road and Piney Branch Road.

Riverdale Park

• Work continues along Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201) between River Road and East-West Highway (MD 410) through spring 2025. Work includes stormwater drainage installation and roadway work in preparation for track installation. Access to driveways, businesses, and bus service will be maintained. All on-street parking has been eliminated, and vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.
• A work zone in the center of Kenilworth Avenue from River Road to East-West Highway to allow track installation remains in effect. Left turns are restricted onto Kenilworth Avenue from Rittenhouse Street (eastbound) and from Rittenhouse Street onto Kenilworth Avenue (westbound). This restriction will be in place through spring. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

Please check out the link for all of the construction updates currently listed.

To make navigation easier during this phase, updated signage and alternate route recommendations will be available to guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians through affected areas. Patience, planning, and a little extra travel time will be helpful in making the transition smooth.

The best part? Once the construction dust settles, we’ll all get to enjoy a brand-new transit experience—connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and destinations like never before! It is hard, no doubt, with detours, noise, and closures, but we are looking forward to a future where getting around is simpler and more enjoyable!

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!

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.