Friends,

Beginning Saturday, June 1 and extending through much of this summer, major transportation construction will affect Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Below are details of those changes, recommended transit alternatives, and steps already taken to mitigate the effects. 

These changes and detours are due to construction to lay Purple Line rails in the roadway surface, and to directly connect the future Purple Line and Red Line Silver Spring stations with a new mezzanine so that riders can seamlessly transfer from one to the other when the Purple Line is in service.

My office is working to increase communication and coordination between our government agencies and the public with the goal of easing challenges to commuters and travelers who have already endured the serious effects of this years-long construction.

Transit recommendations during the summer:

Along the Georgia Ave corridor (Woodside Park, Woodside Forest, Woodside, Montgomery Hills, Downtown Silver Spring, Fenton Village, The Blairs, Summit Hills, The Falklands, East Silver Spring, Takoma Park), beginning Saturday June 1:

1. Take Metrobus express shuttles from each closed Red Line station to Fort Totten - estimated to arrive every 4-6 minutes – these routes include a direct express shuttle weekdays from Silver Spring to Metro Center. We were able to secure bus priority lanes on Georgia Ave to the D.C. line to smooth shuttle service.
2. Take MARC rail from Silver Spring, Kensington, or Garrett Park to/from Union Station for only $3 each way – fares have been discounted and stops added at Kensington, with many seats open. Tickets can be purchased in advance here, at the station, or on the train. MARC's schedule is here.
3. Use Capital Bikeshare, including this offer for a free 30 day membership through MCDOT for free rides.
4. Plan for extra time in your commute if taking Georgia Ave during rush hours.

In East Silver Spring and Long Branch, beginning Thurs June 13:

1. Thru traffic should avoid the intersection of University Blvd (MD 193) and Piney Branch Rd (MD 320). There will be no left turns from University westbound onto Piney Branch westbound, and from Piney Branch eastbound onto University westbound.
1. Local businesses will remain open and accessible via Flower Ave and local roads and sidewalks
2. Thru traffic should avoid Dale Dr between Colesville Rd (US 29) and Piney Branch Rd (MD 320). Thru traffic on Dale Dr will be blocked at Wayne Ave (MD 594A).

The Purple Line’s recommended detours:

In Woodside, North Woodside, and Montgomery Hills, beginning Fri June 7:

1. Spring Street will be closed between Second Ave and 16th St for demolition of the bridge to accommodate Purple Line construction. 
1. Construction of a new bridge will occur through the start of 2025. 
2. Thru motorist traffic should use 16th St and East-West Hwy to cross the tracks. 
3. Thru pedestrian and bicycle traffic should use 16th St, East-West Hwy, or Second Ave to cross the tracks.
2. Thru motorist traffic should avoid Second Ave between 16th St and Spring St

Summary flyer with step by step directions for the Silver Spring area:

Full step by step detour details are available at this link. 

As the summer continues, we will continue to work with colleagues and agency partners to keep our region moving. While this summer will be difficult, crews are building a better transportation network for our region that will grow our economy and link residents to the places and people that matter most in our lives.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Kate Stewart

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