FAQs

Construction work hours are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday throughout the project. In certain areas, work may occur at night or over the weekend as needed to maintain the construction schedule. The public will be notified in advance of any work that would occur during night and weekend work.

As construction progresses, some bus routes and stops in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties will be affected. The Purple Line team is coordinating with WMATA, The Bus, Ride-On, and the University of Maryland Shuttle to minimize impacts and notify riders well in advance of any route changes.

Construction noise is mitigated through the use of noise and vibration monitoring equipment located in various sensitive areas along the project alignment. This equipment is monitored and reported monthly to Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to verify compliance with the project requirements.

The Purple Line takes a mitigation approach to emissions that begins at the source and will only purchase, rent, or utilize off-road equipment that meets the various emissions requirements established by Maryland law. By only utilizing compliant equipment, the project is operating within the requirements. In addition, idling of delivery, dump trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment is limited to three minutes. Dust is monitored by environmental personnel who are certified in EPA Method 9 for visible opacity. This process evaluates any dust clouds generated inside and outside the jobsite. Project requirements dictate that dust opacity cannot exceed 15% at the project boundary.

Yes, prior to the beginning of design and construction, the Maryland Transit Administration conducted environmental impact studies and documentation required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) including mitigation plans.

Test pitting is a minimally invasive excavation method used to investigate subsurface conditions, often completed prior to commencement of construction activities. Crews will dig multiple (often small) holes as a survey method to visually identify utility locations and other subsurface conditions.

Blasting is the controlled use of explosives or gas pressure blasting pyrotechnics to break rock for excavation. The Purple Line will only use controlled blasting when the rock conditions require it. Explosives are not kept on site, but rather transported to the blasting site the day blasting is scheduled. The Purple Line will notify residents that have signed up to receive electronic construction notifications 72 hours before blasting occurs at the Bethesda Shaft.

Most of the Interim Georgetown Branch Trail between Bethesda and Silver Spring Metro is located within the same right of way where the Purple Line tracks are being built. For safety reasons, the entire right of way where the Interim Trail exists must be closed due to the type of construction that is taking place and since the trail is located in the same construction work zone. Based on the latest published schedule dated May 2024, the Capital Crescent Trail will open as soon as it is safe to do so, currently forecasted for spring of 2026.

Yes, some existing bicycle and pedestrian trails will be affected by construction. The Purple Line team is coordinating with Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to minimize impacts to these trails and establish detours where needed. View the current list of Construction Detours.

Yes, there are several trails and bike lanes that will be built as part of the project. Learn more about bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

The Purple Line is working with local businesses and chambers of commerce to avoid and minimize disruption to their operation during construction. The Purple Line team also works to utilize local businesses for project needs, creating "Open for Business During Construction" signage for businesses along the alignment, and providing resources and counsel.

Sign up to receive construction updates in English or Spanish via email or text, or both. View detours and impacts and attend a CAT meeting near you to hear updates from project team members.