Purple Line team reports 75% completion, dynamic testing and major summer construction ahead

Project partners updated Montgomery County officials on Purple Line construction progress, near‑term milestones and community impacts, reporting the project as more than 75% complete and noting that about one‑third of track has been laid. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) representatives, the design‑builder and the operator described major upcoming work this year, including light‑rail vehicle (LRV) dynamic testing in spring 2025, continued track installation across multiple corridors and targeted paving in late 2025 to 2026. The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is currently projected to open spring 2026 and the Purple Line itself is projected to open winter 2027.

Doran Basso, chief executive officer of Purple Line Transit Partners, and Ugo Funtaraj of Maryland Transit Solutions, the design‑builder, described construction milestones: 19 of 21 stations are under construction, more than 17 miles of new sidewalks are built in parts of the corridor, 32% of track is complete, and station canopies and artistic elements are being installed. Basso said the project is entering a “year of transformation” with catenary poles and rail increasingly visible across the alignment. “We will probably get all of [the LRVs] here this year,” a project representative said; the project team reported 8 of 28 LRVs already in Maryland and full delivery scheduled during 2025.

Operators and safety leads described steps to support dynamic testing and eventual operations: Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO) representatives said they have retained experienced rail staff, completed safety training coordinated with the manufacturer and will staff two maintenance facilities (one for heavy maintenance and another for lighter maintenance). PLTO also said it is progressing certification activities required before passenger service.

Council members pressed project partners on community impacts and safety in active construction zones. Concerns focused on pedestrian access, flagger schedules, road striping, temporary crossings and the effects of winter weather on paving schedules. The project team said planned closures include a two‑month closure of Fenton Street and Wynne Avenue this summer to install complex curved track, timed to coincide with school summer break to reduce traffic impact. For heavily used areas such as Georgia Avenue, Wayne Avenue and the Sligo Creek corridor, partners said they are conducting weekly walkthroughs with local stakeholders and coordinating with WMATA, SHA and CSX where relevant.

On communications and community support, partners said they have expanded outreach (including flyers in English and Spanish, social media, newsletters and YouTube briefings), are revising Community Advisory Panel (CAP) membership lists and will hold listening sessions to improve CAP engagement. The project’s Beyond the Rails community grants program has awarded two rounds of grants (12 in 2024 and 8 in January 2025) to local groups; project partners said a small‑business grant program is launching to assist businesses affected by construction.

Council members and staff asked that pedestrian routes near schools, libraries and parks remain open and clearly marked; partners said they aim to maintain access and have constructed temporary elevated wooden pedestrian platforms in several locations to keep pedestrians separate from active track work. Partners said final paving and resurfacing across many corridors will follow track installation and is expected to accelerate public‑facing improvements in late 2025 into 2026. No formal votes were taken on the update.