Construction Updates

As work increases along the alignment, the Purple Line team remains committed to keeping everyone safe. Pedestrians and motorists are advised to follow construction signage and use the open sidewalk(s). For the safety of the public and our construction team, entry into construction work zones is not permitted.

Landscape, erosion and sediment control, and site maintenance along the Purple Line alignment will be conducted on an as needed basis weekdays and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Micropile installation for the future Capitol Crescent Trail bridge that crosses the Purple Line and connects to Elm Street Park will continue through May 2023.  Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

On or about May 8, 2023, crews will also begin utility work on Chevy Chase Lake Drive. This work will, at times, require temporary lane closures on Chevy Chase Lake Drive. However, access will be maintained at all times for both vehicles and pedestrians around the work zone. On-street parking directly adjacent to the work zone will be limited. Please follow the posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through August 2023.

On April 25, 2023, crews resumed excavation in the Purple Line’s elevator shaft to connect to Metro's Red Line in Bethesda.  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, warning horn will be activated. Use of backup alarms will be limited during nighttime hours. Work may occur in two shifts weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

Crews continue work in the Jones Mill Road underpass area through May. Work includes utility relocation, construction of retaining walls, and completing the east side of Jones Mill Road. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and overnight 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue construction of walls, stormwater drainage installation, and Overhead Catenary System foundations long the former Georgetown Branch Trail between Elm Street Park and Rock Creek Park. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through May.

Work continues in the area of future Connecticut Avenue Purple Line Station through May. Work includes utility installation, retaining walls and station elements. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue work at the future Purple Line Bethesda Station located at Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue. A long-term lane closure of the southbound right lane of Wisconsin Avenue at Elm Street will continue through completion of the station construction to facilitate a work zone buffer and construction access.  Pedestrians will need to use the signed pedestrian detour to access the northbound side of Wisconsin Avenue.   Work will occur in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. View detour here

Crews continue utility relocations along Campus Drive between Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) and River Road through May. Temporary lane closures may occur 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends, as needed.

The long-term road closure of Rossborough Lane between Diamondback Drive and the Rhode Island Avenue remains in effect to complete stormwater drainage system installation and roadway reconfiguration. Local access will be maintained, and vehicular and pedestrian detours are in place. Please follow posted signage. The detour will be in place for approximately one year. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

The long-term traffic configuration on Campus Drive between Diamondback Drive and River Road remains in effect. All traffic is shifted to the north side of Campus Drive and a minimum of one lane in each direction will be maintained. A signed pedestrian detour has been implemented to maintain pedestrian access around the work zone. This traffic pattern will be in place until approximately November 2023.

The long-term traffic shift on Ellin Road between Emerson Place and Hanson Oaks Drive remains in effect. Two-way traffic is shifted to the north side of Ellin Road and the south side is closed to allow the continuation of Purple Line construction. View traffic shift here

Work continues on the Purple Line Glenridge Station located near the corner of Veterans Parkway (MD 410) and Annapolis Road (MD 450) through May.  Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

The traffic configuration on Veterans Parkway (MD 410) near Ellin Road remains in effect until approximately July, 2023. Southbound Lanes of Veterans Parkway (MD 410) will be reduced to one lane for approximately a quarter of a mile, while northbound lanes will remain as two thru lanes. The closure is to facilitate the installation of Purple Line track across Veterans Parkway (MD 410). Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. View traffic shift here

Crews continue construction at the Glenridge Operations and Maintenance Facility through May. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue construction of walls and installation of  stormwater drainage adjacent to the CSX tracks between Talbot Avenue and the Silver Spring Transit Center.  Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through May.

Crews continue construction of retaining walls and the installation of Overhead Catenary System pole foundations along the alignment from Rock Creek to Talbot Avenue through May. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Talbot Avenue between Michigan Avenue and Lanier Drive remains closed to through traffic for roadway reconstruction until approximately July, 2023. Local access will be maintained for residents; on street parking will be restricted in the work zone.  This work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed, weather permitting. 

Crews continue work on the Plymouth Tunnel and the Manchester Place Station through May. Work will include construction of the concrete west portal at Wayne Avenue, utility work and preparation for track installation within the tunnel.  The work zone for the upper section of the Manchester Place Station located on Plymouth Street in Silver Spring will be accessed via Plymouth Street, residential parking will not be impacted.   Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue utility work along Piney Branch Road(MD 320) from Greenwood Avenue to University Boulevard (MD 193) through May. Crews will be installing stormwater drainage and reconstructing the sidewalk and curbing. Pedestrian access will be maintained using temporary detours; please follow onsite signage. Access to driveways and businesses on will be maintained. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews will continue work where Long Branch waterway crosses under Piney Branch Road to install  stormwater drainage systems and complete a new fish passage and other improvements. This work is expected to take until July 2023. Pedestrian walkways and access to the Long Branch Community Center will remain open during construction. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue work on the Purple Line Riverdale Park North-UMD station located near the traffic circle at River Road and Haig Drive through May. Pedestrian detours may occur intermittently near the station site. Bus stops will not be impacted. Please follow posted signage.  Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Work continues along Kenilworth Avenue (MD201) between River Road and the East-West Highway (MD 410) through May. Work includes stormwater drainage  installation and roadway work in preparation of track installation. Access to driveways, businesses and bus service will be maintained. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

On April 19, 2023, crews implemented the first of several long-term traffic shifts on Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201) from River Road to East-West Hwy (MD 410), impacting the southbound travel lanes. Access to businesses and resident's properties along with pedestrian access on Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201) will be maintained. Street parking in work zones will be prohibited. Please follow posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue construction of the Traction Power Substation (TPSS),  located on the cul-de-sac of Patterson Street. Crews will access Paterson Street via 66th Street. Work may occur  7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through May.  

Crews continue utility installation, track preparations and roadway work along eastbound Riverdale Road (MD 410) between Mustang Drive and  Eastpine Drive through May. Work will may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed, weather permitting.  

Crews continue work on the Riverdale Park-Kenilworth elevated station located at the corner of Riverdale Road (MD 410) and Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201) through May.  The work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed, weather permitting.  

Crews continue work in the area of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Riverdale Road (MD 410).  The work will may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed, weather permitting.

On May 3, crews implemented a long-term lane closure of the southbound, right lane on 16th Street between 2nd Avenue and Spring Street for approximately 6 weeks, weather permitting.  Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews began work on the new mezzanine that will connect the Metro platform to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center. This new mezzanine will create a connection to the future Purple Line Station and foster better connections for Metro, MARC, and bus customers with enhanced accessibility and greater capacity. Over the coming weeks, Purple Line crews will erect a protective barrier on the Metro platform to separate the public from the work zone. Work will occur in several shifts, with some of the work being completed overnight to minimize impacts to rail service.

The long-term pedestrian detour remains in effect for the crosswalks across Georgia Avenue (MD 29) at Bonifant Street. Pedestrians will be directed to use the crosswalk located a block south at Thayer Avenue. Please follow posted signage for the pedestrian detour. Bonifant Street (East) will remain open to eastbound vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Access to all businesses along Bonifant Street will be maintained during construction.  Construction will continue Bonifant Street East and West through the remainder of 2023.  View detour here

Purple Line work will continue around the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center as crews continue construction of  the  Purple Line Station and the Mezzanine to the Metro and MARC stations.  ADA-compliant pedestrian access will be maintained with intermittent changes to walkways around the work zone; please follow on-site signage. Access to the transit Center will be maintained at all times around the Purple Line work zone. Construction may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 7 pm to 7 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews will continue work on the Purple Line’s Silver Spring Library station located at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library. Access to the library and businesses surrounding the library including Bonifant Street will be maintained at all times. ADA-compliant pedestrian access will be maintained to and around the library via Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. Pedestrian pathways may change intermittently around the work zone; please follow on-site signage. Fencing has been installed to delineate the work zone to allow excavation, utility relocations, systems, and trackwork. Access to Bonifant Street will remain one-way, eastbound from Georgia Avenue. Construction may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through December 2023.

The pedestrian detour for the Sligo Creek Trail and Sligo Cabin Neighborhood Park remains in effect around the work zone and the adjacent parking lot. Please follow posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed for the remainder of 2023. View detour here 

Crews continue reconstruction of the Bradford Place Apartments parking lot.  Work may be performed in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through May.

Crews continue utility relocations on Wayne Avenue (MD 594A) from Sligo Creek Parkway to Flower Avenue. Temporary lane closures may occur 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends, as needed through May. Overnight work will occur intermittently, as scheduled by utility companies. Flagging operations will be utilized on E. Wayne Avenue between Sligo Creek Parkway and Manchester Road, motorists should plan for and expect delays. Temporary sidewalk closures will occur as needed. 

The long-term traffic pattern implemented on Bonifant (East) between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street remains in effect to reduce the road to a one-way eastbound street. Additional lane closures, reduced on-street parking, and intermittent sidewalk closures may also occur. Flagging operations may be utilized when needed. ADA-compliant pedestrian, vehicular, and business access will be maintained at all times. Work on Bonifant may take place 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

The long-term lane closure of Bonifant Street (west) between Ramsey Street and Georgia Avenue will remain in effect for construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained during the road closure. Pedestrians must obey construction signs and stay out of the work zone for their safety and the safety of the construction crew.

Crews continue to implement daily lane closures at the intersection of Georgia Avenue (US 29) and Bonifant Street for underground utility relocations through May, weather permitting. Work may take place in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue work on the Plymouth Tunnel and the Manchester Place Station through May. Work will include construction of the concrete west portal at Wayne Avenue, utility work and preparation for track installation within the tunnel.  The work zone for the upper section of the Manchester Place Station located on Plymouth Street in Silver Spring will be accessed via Plymouth Street, residential parking will not be impacted.   Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue construction of walls and installation of  utilities  adjacent to the CSX tracks between Talbot Avenue and the Silver Spring Transit Center.  Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through May.

The Long-term traffic configuration on Wayne Avenue (MD 595A) between Sligo Creek Parkway and Fenton Street, reducing the road to one lane in each direction remains in effect to allow for continued utility relocations, installation of stormwater systems and reconstruction of the curb, sidewalk, and roadway. Access to residents’ properties and driveways will be maintained, while street parking within the work zones is prohibited. Pedestrian access along Wayne Avenue will be maintained with at least one sidewalk open at all times. Please follow posted signage for pedestrian detours when applicable. Temporary lane closures will be implemented 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while work in the area may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through the end of 2023. 

The long-term lane closure on University Boulevard (MD 193) between 24th Avenue and Riggs Road (MD 212) impacting the westbound righthand lane remains in effect through May. Access to businesses and resident's properties along with pedestrian access on University  Boulevard (MD 193) will be maintained. Please follow posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

The long-term traffic switch on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Tulane Drive and 24th Avenue remains in effect through May. Two lanes in each direction and pedestrian access will be maintained, including a temporary channelized pedestrian pathway. The work zone facilitates the construction of the south bridge over the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River. Work includes demolition of the existing bridge, foundation work and concrete for the new bridge.  Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Crews continue utility relocations on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and Riggs Road (MD 212) through May. Temporary lane closures may occur 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

A long-term lane closure for the eastbound right lane of University Boulevard (MD 193) between Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and Carroll  Avenue remains in effect to facilitate utility relocations through May. Access to driveways and businesses will be maintained. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Daily closures of the University Boulevard (MD 193) service road between 14th Avenue and 15th Avenue will continue for the installation of storm drain systems through the end of the year. Street parking in the work zone will be prohibited, please follow posted signage. Residential and pedestrian access will be maintained. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed

Crews will continue installation of piles in May to advance the construction of the University Boulevard (MD 193 ) bridge over the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River,  Work may occur 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through the end of the month.   

On or about June 5, 2023, crews will implement a long-term lane closure of the rightmost westbound lane of University Boulevard (MD 193) from Edwards Place until New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650). This closure will also affect the right turn lane from University Boulevard (MD 193) and the rightmost northbound lane of New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650). This closure will take place to facilitate ongoing stormwater drainage system installation. Please follow posted signage. Work may take place weekdays and weekends, for approximately six weeks.  View detour here

On or about May 22, 2023, crews will implement a closure of 15th Avenue at the University Boulevard (MD 193) intersection to install storm drain systems and pave the intersection. Access to 15th Avenue will be maintained via Kanawha Street. Please follow posted signage for the detour route.  Work may take place weekdays and weekends, for one week.  View here

On or about May 29, 2023, crews will implement a closure of 14th Avenue at the University Boulevard (MD 193) intersection to install storm drain systems and pave the intersection. Access to 14th Avenue will be maintained via Kanawha Street. Please follow posted signage for the detour route.  Work may take place weekdays and weekends, for one week. View here

Crews continue stormwater drainage installation along the University Boulevard (MD 193) service road between 24th Avenue and West Park Drive through May. During work hours, the service road will be limited to one lane. Parking will be prohibited in the areas adjacent to the work zones to allow through traffic to continue to use the service road. Work may take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.