Witnessing the Evolution of the Maryland Purple Line

Track Installation in Downtown Silver Spring

Currently, the track installation is in full swing. Crews are working diligently to lay the tracks along Georgia Avenue, which is a crucial part of the Purple Line project. This 16-mile stretch is set to bring a new mode of transportation to the area, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and commuters.

The reconfiguration of traffic lanes on nearby Georgia Avenue between Silver Spring and Wayne Avenues started in October and will continue until January of next year. This has resulted in a reduction of travel lanes to two in each direction, with traffic shifted to the west around the work zone at Bonifant Street. This measure is being taken to facilitate the utility and track installation along Georgia Avenue, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.

Impact on Local Businesses

Bonifant Street businesses have faced numerous challenges due to the ongoing construction. Café via Roma at 911 Bonifant Street, which opened in September and serves coffee, pastries, and Italian cuisine, is now hidden behind a tarp-lined chain-link fence surrounding the construction zone next to the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library. The closure of Lewi Cafe in 2022 had left a void, and the opening of Café via Roma was a welcome addition to the area.

Meanwhile, Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe at 930 Bonifant Street has struggled since returning to downtown Silver Spring. The Myint family reopened their restaurant in the summer of 2022 after their move to the former Walter Reed complex in D.C. fell through. Despite the challenges posed by the construction, the restaurant remains open and continues to serve the same delicious Burmese food. As the community rallied behind them, the Mandalay family is determined to weather the storm and keep their business alive.

Progress and Expected Service

Transit officials report that the Maryland Purple Line is over 65 percent complete and is expected to begin service in winter 2027. This is an exciting milestone for the project and for the community, as it will bring a much-needed transportation option to the area. The construction may be disruptive in the short term, but the long-term benefits are clear.

To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of pedestrians, Montgomery County transportation officials have set up pedestrian detours around the work zone. These detours are designed to maintain business access and provide some parking on Georgia Avenue. While the construction may cause some inconvenience, the efforts are being made to minimize the impact on the local community.