Worked continued throughout 2024 on the 16-mile light rail line that is designed to connect Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
But that construction continues to be the bane of pedestrians and business owners.
The Purple Line is scheduled for its first passenger-filled ride in December of 2027.
When 2024 began, the project was 63.4% complete, according to Ray Biggs II, Purple Line Senior Project Director for the Maryland Transit Administration. As the year draws to a close, the project is now more than 73% complete.
During the year, tracks were laid, and eight light rail cars received. In Montgomery County, the project advanced station platform work in Bethesda and made significant progress on the mezzanine at Silver Spring Transit Center.
Here is a video of some of the progress.
Despite the progress, several businesses throughout the Purple Line route continue to experience decreased revenues as residents are finding it hard to get around the construction. Pedestrians and bikers also are upset with what they consider dangerous detours and paths due to the construction work and materials.
Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart, a jogger, said her path often was obstructed during the summer, especially along Sligo Creek Parkway.
“When it’s completed, the Purple Line will definitely be a plus to our community.” However, she added, “It will only be a success if the residents and businesses that now have been impacted are able to benefit from it.”
If businesses close, “Then we will have failed,” she said. “Our smaller business owners have been impacted badly. It’s hard, really hard.”
Montgomery County currently is in its third phase of awarding grants to businesses negatively affected by work on the Purple Line.
