The Purple Line project is 80% complete, and testing of the light rail trains has begun as the project moves closer to its December 2027 opening date.
Ten of 28 vehicles have been delivered and are being tested at a facility in Glenridge. All cars in the fleet should be delivered by the end of this year, according to Ray Biggs III, Purple Line Senior Project Manager.
The 16-mile route runs from New Carrollton to Bethesda and includes 21 stations. Purple Line light rail vehicles run on track but are powered by electricity. An overhead catenary system is being installed.
Much construction work is being conducted in Downtown Silver Spring through Sept. 5. Crews are installing light rail tracks and reconstructing sidewalks at Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street.
UPDATE: The temporary closure of Wayne Ave & Fenton St closure extended to Sept 5, 2025, due to utility conflicts. The current schedule estimates completion to be after Labor Day. https://t.co/LiSYqX9qIn. #ConnectingCommunities #MDOTCares #PurpleLineprogress pic.twitter.com/F7WKnC2Qgm
— Purple Line (@PurpleLineMD) July 25, 2025
See #PurpleLineProgress in #Bethesda where crews are completing direct fixation track work. This method secures the rail directly to the concrete base. Visit our website Project Overview page for more: https://t.co/8zm5Ob9JId. #ConnectingCommunities #MDOTCares #MTAPurpleLine pic.twitter.com/UgQ1SULy7n
— Purple Line (@PurpleLineMD) July 24, 2025
OCS poles are being installed on University Blvd, Piney Branch, and Riverdale Rd! LRV testing is progressing. More info: https://t.co/feGngUjqow. #ConnectingCommunities #MDOTCares #PurpleLineprogress #PurpleLineMD #MTAPurpleLine pic.twitter.com/d4wfP4ESx1
— Purple Line (@PurpleLineMD) July 22, 2025
