Maryland Department of Transportation

MULTI-MODAL APPROACH TO HELP MINIMIZE IMPACT ON RIDERS DURING PURPLE LINE AND WMATA SUMMER CONSTRUCTION

​IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Public Affairs
David Broughton, 410-865-1029​​

The State Highway Administration and Maryland Transit Administration take action to Support Riders, Limit Congestion 

HANOVER, MD (April 23, 2024) – In an effort to support passengers impacted by planned transit station closures this summer in Montgomery County, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration and Maryland Transit Administration today announced plans to help commuters and keep traffic flowing. 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) plans to close a section of the Red Line to allow workers to build connections with the Maryland Transit Administration's Purple Line light-rail project and perform maintenance and station upgrades at the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring and Takoma Metro stations. These stations will close from June 1 through August 31. 

WMATA's work is being coordinated with the Purple Line's construction of a new mezzanine at the Silver Spring Metro Station. This will provide access between Metro and the Purple Line, scheduled for completion in 2027. Additional information on the station closures is available on the WMATA website Summer 2024 Red Line Construction. 

“This summer we will reach a major milestone in building the Purple Line and ensuring Metrorail is safe and reliable for decades to come," said Joe McAndrew, Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary of Project Development and Delivery. “We know this work will impact many of the people who live and work in the Wheaton and Silver Spring communities, and those who rely on the Red Line for their transportation needs. MDOT remains committed to partnering with Montgomery County, the District of Columbia and WMATA to mitigate impacts where possible and provide alternative transit options during the disruption."   

During the shutdown, the State Highway Administration will adjust signal timing in select areas and will support and accommodate shuttle bus ridership by creating temporary curbside bus lanes – delineated by white bus lane pavement markings – at the following locations:

  • Northbound MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) from Wayne Avenue to MD 390 (16th Street);
  • Southbound MD 97 from Urbana Drive/Glenmont Metro to Randolph Road, as well as MD 586 (Veirs Mill Road) to Bonnywood Lane/Tilton Drive and MD 390 to Fidler Lane;
  • Northbound MD 586 from the Wheaton Metro to MD 193 (University Boulevard);
  • Southbound MD 586 from the Wheaton Metro to MD 97;
  • Northbound MD 384 (Colesville Road) from 16th Street Circle to Wayne Avenue/2nd Avenue;
  • Southbound MD 384 from MD 97/US 29 to the 16th Street Circle; and
  • Eastbound and westbound MD 410 (East-West Highway) between MD 384 and Blair Mill Road/Newell Street. 

The temporary lanes will be in effect 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and will provide priority access for shuttle buses near the Glenmont, Wheaton and Silver Spring Metro stations.

To accommodate transit riders, the Maryland Transit Administration will offer reduced, $3 one-way fares on MARC Brunswick Line and Commuter Bus service from stops in the vicinity of the impacted WMATA stations. MARC Train also will offer a discounted weekly pass for $22.50 and a discounted monthly pass for $81. These fares will be available at ticket vending machines, onboard from the conductor or driver (cash only), and through the CharmPass mobile app. 

Riders can take MARC Train from the MARC Kensington Station located near the Wheaton and Forest Glen Red Line stations, and from the MARC Silver Spring Station, which is adjacent to the WMATA Silver Spring Station. Commuter Bus routes 305, 315, and 325 with stops in Silver Spring before continuing into downtown Washington will also offer a reduced fare of $3 per trip. 

MARC Train and Commuter Bus field supervisors will be on site during the first two weeks of the Red Line closure (June 1-15) to assist passengers. To learn more https://www.mta.maryland.gov/MTA-WMATA-RedLine.

​WMATA will also offer a free shuttle bus service that connects stations from Glenmont to Fort Totten during regular Metro operating hours. Direct shuttle bus service between Silver Spring Station and downtown Washington will also be available weekdays during the temporary closure. 

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