Looks like the Purple Line will become a reality. There are still concerns from Chevy Chase residents concerning noise, where the stops will be, the disruption of the Crescent Trail and the interference with the golf course at Columbia Country Club.
- Plan Changes for the Purple Line
Source: Arturo Ramos
Spanning 16 miles from New Carrollton Metro to Bethesda, proposed changes to the Purple Line light-rail were unanimously approved by the Montgomery County Council. In addition to a trolley line through Chevy Chase from Bethesda to Silver Spring, the accepted plan change now includes additional stations on the line east of Silver Spring, double-track rail from Langley Park to downtown Bethesda, and extra access points for the Georgetown Branch/Capital Crescent.
According to the Washington Post, plans for a walking & biking trail adjacent to the Purple Line were still planned despite cost estimates ballooning to $65 million from a previous proposal of $25 million. The Maryland Transit Administration is seeking federal funds help cover the $1.68 billon estimated cost for the Purple Line.
It’s the rail, not the trail, that will be double-tracked. For more details on how the trail will change when the Purple Line is built (better in some ways, less pleasant in others), see Wayne Phyillaier’s Silver Spring Trails blog.
Thanks for catching that, Ben!