Maryland Transit Administration finished track installation for Purple Line | The Locally Times
Crews completed 193,100 feet of track on May 7, connecting the 16.2-mile light rail corridor between New Carrollton and Bethesda.
## Track Completion Maryland Transit Administration crews installed the final segment of rail for the Purple Line at the 16th Street – Woodside Station on May 7, 2026. This work finished the 193,100-foot track installation, creating a continuous 16.2-mile corridor between New Carrollton and Bethesda. ## Construction Status The Purple Line project received over $2 billion in federal funding and loans. The Maryland Transit Administration scheduled construction completion for the end of 2026. Current work includes finishing station structural elements, installing Art in Transit pieces, completing landscaping, and finalizing train and traffic signal control systems. ## Service Timeline Passenger service is scheduled to begin in late 2027. The project is currently in the vehicle and systems integration testing phase. The line connects Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to provide a transit alternative to regional road congestion. ## Employment and Activity The project employed more than 2,000 people during its development. Commuters should expect continued construction activity as crews finalize station and signal elements. This phase follows the completion of the rail installation. ## Key Questions **When will the Purple Line open to passengers?** Passenger service is scheduled to begin in late 2027. **What work remains before the line opens?** Construction is set to conclude by the end of 2026, with current activities focused on station structures, landscaping, and systems integration testing.