In Silver Spring, crews installed the final piece of rail Thursday to connect Montgomery and Prince George’s counties through the Purple Line.
The light rail will run from Bethesda to New Carrollton, including 10 stations in Montgomery County.
“We’re proving that you cannot have economic mobility if you do not also invest in physical mobility,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said press conference to mark the occasion.
The governor, lieutenant governor, county leaders and leaders in Congress gathered at a Purple Line construction site along 16th Street. The project has been under construction for a decade.
“In 2017, we broke ground. Today, in 2026, we are driving the last e-clip into the last rail,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller.
She thanked small businesses for their patience while they were disrupted during construction.
“This project is important for economic empowerment. It’s important for our communities,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen.
Next comes live wire testing.
“We’re glad that the finish line is finally in sight,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
The Purple Line is expected to open next year.
Silver Spring — Gov. Moore and leaders mark installation of final piece of Purple Line rail @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/t0pArEiyqm
— Maryam Shahzad (@maryam_mcm) May 7, 2026
