Updates & Detours

View all construction activity on the interactive map below. The construction phase of the project is projected to last through 2027.

Construction is underway from New Carrollton to Bethesda.

Construction activities include laying track, building bridges to allow the Purple Line to pass above busy commuter routes including Connecticut Avenue and the Kenilworth Avenue/Riverdale Road intersection as well as Rock Creek, and more.

The map below contains a few of the high-impact closures and detours along the Purple Line alignment. Construction updates can be received via text and email through design-build contractor Maryland Transit Solutions' notification system.

Construction Updates

Community Update

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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.

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Landscaping, 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.

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Crews continue work on the Bethesda Headhouse, which is the new street-level access for the Purple Line Station and WMATA’s Bethesda Metro Station located at Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue. During construction, a work zone may be established, reducing the pedestrian area for approximately one year. The stair access to The Elm property will remain open, and ADA access will be maintained through the garage entrance. Please follow on-site signage. More information here

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Excavation for the shaft that will connect the Purple Line to Metro's Red Line in Bethesda will continue through April 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.

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Crews continue work at the 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 the 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

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Crews continue utility work on Chevy Chase Lake Drive. This work will, at times, require temporary lane closures on Chevy Chase Lake Drive. 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 posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some materials deliveries occurring prior to 7 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through spring 2025.

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Crews continue work in the Jones Mill Road underpass area. Work includes utility relocations, construction of retaining walls, and the completion of the west side of Jones Mill Road. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through June 2025.

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

The sidewalk along northbound Connecticut Avenue between Chevy Chase Lake Drive and Manor Road remains closed. Pedestrians are directed to use the crosswalks and the sidewalk on the southbound side of Connecticut Avenue. Please follow on-site signage. The closure is expected to be in place through April 2025. View detour here

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Crews continue construction of the Purple Line and the Capital Crescent Trail along 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 Fall 2025.

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Work continues in the area of the Connecticut Avenue Purple Line station. Work includes utility installations, retaining wall construction, and other station elements. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

College Park

College Park

 On or about May 1, 2025, crews will implement a traffic shift on Campus Drive near River Road and reactivate the traffic signal at the College Park Metro parking garage entrance. A work zone will be established on the north side of Campus Drive, shifting the travel lanes to the south. One lane in each direction will be maintained. The traffic shift is necessary to complete track installation from Campus Drive to the Metro station area. Pedestrian and bicycle access along Campus Drive will be maintained. Please follow on-site signage. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed. View here

College Park

A temporary traffic shift will continue on Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) at the intersection of Rossborough Lane. Traffic on Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) is reduced to one lane in each direction from Fraternity Row to Hotel Drive through spring 2025. Additionally, Rossborough Lane will remain closed at Baltimore Avenue (Route 1). Access to Yale Avenue will be maintained via a detour from Hotel Drive to Diamondback Drive. The crosswalk at Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) and Rossborough Lane will be closed, pedestrians should follow onsite signage and cross at the open signalized crosswalks at Fraternity Row or Hotel Drive. View here

College Park

The temporary traffic shift on Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane and River Road will remain in effect until 2026. This will allow crews to complete the track installation and roadway reconstruction work on the north side of Campus Drive. One lane in each direction and a pedestrian pathway will be maintained. Please follow onsite signage. 

College Park

The traffic shift on Campus Drive near River Road will continue through April. The shift reduces the travel lanes and may result in delays. The College Park Metro parking garage entrance has shifted temporarily to the east. However, the garage will remain open and accessible at all times. The traffic shift is necessary to complete track installation from Campus Drive to the Metro station area. Pedestrian and bicycle access along Campus Drive will be maintained. Please follow on-site signage. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. View detour here

College Park

A long-term road closure of Rossborough Lane between Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) and Diamondback Drive continues. The closure is to complete stormwater drainage system installation, roadway reconfiguration, and the construction of the Baltimore Avenue-UMD Station. Local access is maintained, and vehicular and pedestrian detours are in place. Please follow posted signage. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

College Park

Crews continue to work on the Purple Line College Park-UMD Station. Pedestrian detours may occur intermittently near the station site for MARC and Metro riders.  Please follow posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Glenridge/New Carrollton

Glenridge/New Carrollton

A temporary lane closure of the right-hand lane and shoulder on Veterans Parkway (MD 410) northbound between Annapolis Road and Riverdale Road will remain in effect through April. This closure is necessary to construct a retaining wall along the roadway. 

Glenridge/New Carrollton

Ellin Road remains closed between Harkins Road and Emerson Place. Ellin Road is open from Emerson Place to Veterans Parkway (MD 410) for two-way traffic. This configuration will remain in place through spring 2025. View detour here

Glenridge/New Carrollton

Phased traffic shifts of Annapolis Road (MD 450) and Veterans Parkway (MD 410) continue to facilitate traffic signal installation. Two through lanes and dedicated left turn lanes will be maintained during each phase. Pedestrian detours may occur as the work progresses. Please follow signage and use caution around the established work zones. Work may take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends as needed.

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside

The temporary traffic shift on Stewart Avenue shifting traffic to one side starting at Brookville Road will continue through April. Two-way traffic will be maintained but parking on Stewart Avenue will be limited. This lane closure is required to raise the profile of Stewart Avenue in that location. Please follow all posted signage. Work typically occurs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. View here

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside

Crews continue construction of the Purple Line and the Capital Crescent Trail, including retaining wall and utility installation along the alignment from Rock Creek to Talbot Avenue. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside

Crews continue construction of the Purple Line and the Capital Crescent Trail, including wall construction, sheet pile installation, stormwater drainage installation, and other utility work adjacent to the CSX/Metro 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.

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside

Construction continues at the Lyttonsville Station and operations and maintenance yard located adjacent to the Lyttonsville Place Bridge. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Long Branch

Long Branch

The long-term closure of Arliss Street between Piney Branch Road and Garland Avenue continues. This closure allows crews to install utilities and construct the Long Branch Station. A temporary driveway has been constructed to the Flower Branch Apartments, and a detour for vehicles and pedestrians is in place. The Long Branch Library will be accessed by turning north on Flower Avenue and east on Plymouth Street. Please follow the posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through spring 2025.  View detour here

Long Branch

Crews will maintain a minimum of one lane in each direction on Piney Branch Road (MD 320) between Greenwood Avenue and University Boulevard (MD 193) for construction of the Purple Line. Activities include track, sidewalk, curb, and storm drain installations. Pedestrian access will be maintained using temporary detours. Please follow on-site signage. Access to driveways and businesses will be maintained. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Long Branch

Crews continue work on the Plymouth Tunnel and the Manchester Place Station. Work includes construction of the 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, and residential parking will not be impacted.  Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Riverdale Park

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.

Riverdale Park

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. View detour here

Riverdale Park

66th Avenue remains closed at Riverdale Road through spring 2025. This closure allows track installation across 66th Avenue and sidewalk reconstruction. Work typically occurs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but may continue nights and weekends, as necessary. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Please follow all posted signage.

Riverdale Park

Intermittent nightly closure of the intersection of East-West Highway and Kenilworth Avenue will continue Sunday night through Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through April 2025. Right-hand turn lanes will be open from East-West Highway and Kenilworth Avenue. Through traffic will be required to use the approved detours as detailed. This closure is necessary to complete the bridge and install overhead safety overhangs. During this time, operations at night will include tightening and installing steel bolts to the bridge girders, which will generate additional noise. View detour here

Riverdale Park

The long-term traffic shift on Riverdale Road (MD 410) between Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Veterans Parkway (MD 450) to allow the construction of the Beacon Heights-East Pines Station continues. The travel lanes have been shifted to the north. Two lanes in each direction and pedestrian access will be maintained. 

Riverdale Park

Crews continue work on the Purple Line alignment adjacent to River Road from the College Park Metro Station to Kenilworth Avenue. Pedestrian detours may occur intermittently. Please follow posted signage. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Riverdale Park

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

Riverdale Park

Crews continue work along Riverdale Road (MD 410) between Kenilworth Avenue and Veterans Parkway. Lane closures may be implemented on a daily basis. The work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed, weather permitting.

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

On or about April 7, 2025, Purple Line crews will temporarily close the entrance to Pershing Drive at Bonifant Street to complete track installation across the intersection. This closure will be in place for approximately four weeks. During this time, vehicles with private parking and trash trucks will have access from Wayne Avenue. There will be flaggers on site to safely facilitate and direct vehicle traffic. Delivery trucks will have dedicated loading zones established on Bonifant Street and Georgia Avenue. Work may occur during weekdays and weekends, as needed. view here 

Silver Spring

On or about April 7, through April 11, 2025, crews will be working overnight in the intersection of Fenton Street and Wayne Avenue. The work will require temporary lane closures. Flaggers will be on-site to facilitate traffic and pedestrian movement through the intersection. The lane closures are expected to occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Please follow on-site signage.

Silver Spring

On or about April 15, 2025, crews will temporarily close Manchester Road South of Wayne Avenue for approximately six weeks. Local access to Bradford Road, Reading Road, and Geren Road will be available from Piney Branch Road and Manchester Road. Please follow all on-site signage. The closure is necessary to allow track placement and the reconstruction of the intersection. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends as needed. View detour

Silver Spring

On or about April 14 through April 18, 2025, Dale Drive northbound will be closed at Wayne Avenue daily between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This emergency action is required to repair utilities at that location. Please follow all on-site signage to detour around the work zone.

Silver Spring

Manchester Road will continue to be temporarily closed at Wayne Avenue through April 15, 2025. Please follow all on-site signage. Sligo Creek Parkway is now fully open to traffic. The closure is necessary to allow track placement and the reconstruction of the intersection. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends. View detour here

Silver Spring

The Spring Street Bridge in Silver Spring will be closed through summer 2025. During this time, crews will finish the demolition of the bridge abutments and the construction of the new bridge. The foundation work includes daytime piling operations for the bridge foundations. The detour attached will be implemented during the closure. Please follow on-site signage. This operation may require overnight work to meet the schedule and to accommodate CSX trains. View detour here

Silver Spring

 A long-term lane closure of the rightmost lane on southbound 16th Street between Lyttonsville Road and Spring Street continues. Two travel lanes remain open through the area. This closure is required to allow crews to construct a retaining wall associated with the Purple Line project. The closure will be in place until approximately June 2025. Please follow all posted signage.

Silver Spring

Purple Line crews will continue periodic night work on Bonifant Street in Silver Spring. Work may occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.  A full closure of Bonifant Street may be necessary when work is in progress. Please follow all posted signage and detours.

Silver Spring

A temporary traffic shift on Georgia Avenue (US 29) between Silver Spring Avenue and Wayne Avenue (MD 594A) remains in effect through April 2025. Travel will be reduced to two lanes in either direction and shift to the west around the work zone at Bonifant Street. This traffic shift will facilitate utility and track installation across Georgia Avenue. Pedestrian detours will be in place around the work zone. Please follow all posted signage. Work typically occurs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but may continue nights and weekends, as necessary.

Silver Spring

A temporary work zone on the south side of Wayne Avenue between Dale Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway will shift two lanes of traffic to the north side of Wayne Avenue.   The work zone allows crews to complete the stormwater system, curb, and sidewalk installation and complete the demolition and reconstruction of the south side of the Sligo Creek Bridge. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the new sidewalk on the north side of Wayne Avenue.  View Here

Silver Spring

Crews continue work on the Wayne Avenue bridge over Sligo Creek, including the construction of foundations for the new bridge, additional concrete work and stream restoration. The work may take place 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

Silver Spring

Crews continue utility work on Ramsey Avenue between Wayne Avenue and Bonifant Street. The utility work will require traffic shifts and periodic lane closures but Ramsey Avenue will remain accessible. Pedestrians will be directed to use the sidewalk on the east side of Ramsey Avenue. Work may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Silver Spring

Crews continue work on the Purple Line 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 spring 2025.

Silver Spring

A long-term traffic configuration continues on Wayne Avenue (MD 595A) between Sligo Creek Parkway and Fenton Street. The traffic pattern reduces Wayne Avenue to one lane in each direction 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 may be implemented from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, as needed. 

Silver Spring

Purple Line work continues 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 periodically overnight, weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Silver Spring

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 through spring 2025. View here

Silver Spring

Crews continue construction 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 weekends, as needed. Temporary sidewalk closures may occur as needed.

Silver Spring

The long-term lane closure of Bonifant Street (West) between Ramsey Avenue and Georgia Avenue will remain in effect through the completion of 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. 

Silver Spring

Crews continue work on Bonifant Street (East) between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street with a focus on the north side of the roadway. Bonifant Street will be permanently reduced to one-way eastbound, with no parking permitted on the north side of the street. Any vehicles parked within the work zone will be towed at the owner’s expense. Crews continue to complete critical utility connections, storm drain installation, and curb and sidewalk reconstruction followed by track installation through spring 2025. Once this work is complete, the north side of Bonifant Street will be open in the final configuration and the work zone will shift to the south side. Access to businesses, parking lots, and residential properties will be maintained by performing some construction activities outside of typical business hours, including nighttime construction, when needed. Flagging operations may be utilized during typical work hours, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends as needed.

Silver Spring

Crews continue construction of the Purple Line and the Capital Crescent Trail adjacent to the CSX/Metro 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.

Silver Spring

Crews continue work on the Plymouth Tunnel and the Manchester Place Station. 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.

University Boulevard

University Boulevard

On or about April 24, 2025, East Shopping Center, located between 14th Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue, will be limited to right turns only at the intersection with University Boulevard (MD 193) for approximately six weeks. Crews will establish a work zone in the center of University Boulevard to facilitate track and utility installation. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. Please follow all on-site signage. View here

University Boulevard

Guilford Road remains limited to right turns only at the intersection with University Boulevard (MD 193) through April.  Crews have established a work zone in the center of University Boulevard to facilitate track and utility installation. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. Please follow all on-site signage. View detours here

University Boulevard

New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) remains limited to right turns only at the intersection with University Boulevard (MD 193) through April 25, 2025. Crews will establish a work zone in the center of University Boulevard to facilitate track and utility installation. The pedestrian crossing of University Boulevard will remain at New Hampshire Avenue. Additional signage will be in place to direct drivers to use the advanced detour routes to minimize the number of vehicles at the University Boulevard intersection. Please follow on-site signage. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. View detours here

University Boulevard

On or about April 2, 2025, 23rd Avenue will be limited to right turns only at the intersection with University Boulevard (MD 193) for approximately six weeks. Crews will establish a work zone in the center of University Boulevard to facilitate track and utility installation. Work may occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. Please follow all on-site signage. View detours here

University Boulevard

The long-term traffic pattern on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and Adelphi Road (MD 500) has been established with two lanes of traffic in each direction and a work zone in the middle of the roadway. Intermittent flagging operations may be implemented on an as-needed basis. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends.

University Boulevard

Crews continue work along University Boulevard (MD 193) between Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and New Hampshire Avenue. Lane closures may be implemented on a daily basis. Access to businesses and residential properties, including pedestrian access, will be maintained. Please follow on-site signage. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

University Boulevard

Overnight utility relocation and conduit installation work continues across University Boulevard (MD 193) between Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and Adelphi Road. This periodic work will require temporary lane closures and may occur 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed.

During Construction

  • Pedestrian detours are clearly marked. If a full closure is required a detour route will be provided while flaggers may be utilized for partial closures.
  • Access will always be maintained to businesses and residences.
  • Where needed, variable message signs (VMS) will be used to provide additional information to the public.
  • Notifications to the public are provided before closures occur through via design-build contractor Maryland Transit Solutions' construction alerts.

 

Stay out of the work zone. There are many unforeseen hazards for pedestrians.

Avoid the marked construction zones. Plan your driving route around work zones.

Follow all construction and detour signage.

Exercise caution when driving and walking near work zones.

Take control of your safety. Don’t be distracted while driving or walking.

Your phone can wait. Safety can’t.