The Purple Line projects it will begin passenger service during the winter of 2027. That’s according to Purple Line officials at a briefing before members of the Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee on Monday.
Track work in the Prince George’s section of the 16-mile light rail line is completed. Work on the Montgomery County side is about 79% complete. Track work here is expected to be completed during the spring of 2026. More than 105,000 of 193,100 feet of track has been laid
overall, bringing rail progress to 54.4%, according to Purple Line officials.
Nineteen miles of sidewalk have been completed by the line that runs from Bethesda to New Carrollton.
Overall, the project is slightly more than 80% compete.
The Capital Crescent Tail between Bethesda and Silver Spring is expected to be reopen around the spring or summer of 2026. Work also includes completion of the green trail along Wayne Avenue to Sligo Creek and the construction of a bike path through the University of Maryland campus.
Council Reactions
Council President Kate Stewart questioned why traffic and businesses in the Silver Spring and Langley Park areas have been the most affected, yet businesses in the area of the Bethesda construction have received more grants to help them compensate for a loss of business.
“Purple Line impact is not equal,” she said, adding, “The grants do not reflect that.”
Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe pointed out that businesses will close and new businesses will not open in this area while construction continues to disrupt certain areas. And, she stressed, “The schedule is another two years.”
🟣📰Purple Line Newsletter-Sept.2025📰🟣
Their September newsletter includes construction updates, a Business Spotlight on Glee Bridal's & Gift Shop Plus, and a feature on our Systems Oversight Engineer Art Aroonlap.
📰🔗 https://t.co/bLY8OUSVzZ @MontgomeryCoMD #SilverSpringMD pic.twitter.com/lTsiUS5pbC— Montgomery County, MD – Dept. of Transportation (@MCDOTNow) September 22, 2025
