49 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

WTOP radio, 10/7:

The Purple Line gets FTA approval

WASHINGTON -- A major construction project in Maryland got some good news on Friday.

The Purple Line, the proposed 16-mile light rail that would operate between Montgomery and Prince George's counties, received approval from the Federal Transit Administration to move into a preliminary engineering phase.

Essentially, this means the FTA thinks the project is a good one and can actually be built. Now, more detailed plans will be discussed, including schedules, cost estimates and completion of environmental studies.

Continue.

[KevinKorell]

2020? The fact that it's light rail, as opposed to being heavy rail like the Metro lines it will connect with, it seems like a long time to get this thing up and running.

[Sloan]

http://www.washingto...z3TL_story.html

[KevinKorell]

WTOP Radio, Washington, DC, 2/26/12:

Purple Line imperils Bethesda recreation trail

Maryland transit planners say it's too expensive and impractical to keep a popular recreation trail inside a downtown Bethesda tunnel alongside future Purple Line trains.

This story is here.

[KevinKorell]

Montgomery County, MD Gazette, 3/5/12:

Purple Line, Capital Crescent trail could cross Connecticut Avenue

Maryland transportation planners are considering an alternative that would route the Purple Line across Connecticut Avenue, rather than over a bridge as previously announced.

This story here.

[KevinKorell]

Montgomery County, MD Gazette, 3/7/12:

Purple Line plans roll forward in Lyttonsville

Catch up on a contentious Purple Line discussion in Lyttonsville.

There will be a meeting March 14 on the planned Purple Line light rail in the Lyttonsville neighborhood of Silver Spring.

More

[KevinKorell]

Opinion in Montgomery County, MD Gazette, 3/14/12:

Old and expensive Purple Line idea needs revising

The Gazette’s Feb. 29 article about rising costs on the proposed Purple Line trolley (yes, that’s what it is) shows how hard it is to revise a twenty-year-old plan after conditions have changed.

Continue

[KevinKorell]

Montgomery County, MD Gazette, 3/15/12:

Residents pleased with revised Lyttonsville Purple Line plan

Residents in the Silver Spring community of Lyttonsville said they were satisfied with a revised plan from the Maryland Transit Administration that would move a Purple Line maintenance and rail yard facility to reduce impact on neighborhoods and nearby businesses.

Full story

[KevinKorell]

Montgomery County, MD Gazette, 2/29/12:

Underground Capital Cresent Trail crossing would cost $51 million

A proposal to stack the Capital Crescent Trail above the Purple Line could be in doubt, after a state report identified approximately $51 million in construction costs, plus unknown structural risks to a commercial building.

Click here for more.

[KevinKorell]

College Park, MD Patch, 6/4/12:

UMd., MTA Work Toward Campus Safety

Metro's Purple Line may keep its doors closed after 10 p.m. at the three light rail stops proposed for University of Maryland’s campus, according to Vice President for Facilities Management Carlo Colella.

Get this story here.
Not sure if this is the best policy given how college students may wish to be out and about late at night. And having transit available would possibly discourage drunk driving.