Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – The problem plagued Purple Line took a major step forward Thursday as the first section of track was installed.
“This long-term investment will connect New Carrollton here in Prince George’s County to Bethesda in Montgomery County with a 16-mile east west light rail line that will include 21 stations,” said Gov. Larry Hogan during an event in Lanham Thursday.
Before the track could start being installed, Hogan said utilities had to be moved and tunnels built.
This was a significant milestone for a project that has faced delays, a lawsuit and increasing costs. The project came to a standstill for three years while a lawsuit between opponents and the state made its way through the court system. The courts eventually sided with the state, and construction started in Aug. 2017, a year behind schedule.
Hogan touted the benefits of the Purple Line saying it will integrate seamlessly with Metro, Amtrak and MARC train to provide more transit options for commuters and others.
“It is projected that the Purple Line will take at least 17,000 cars off the roadways every single day which will help to relieve traffic congestion and help to make our environment cleaner and healthier,” Hogan said.
Opponents have voiced environmental concerns including the need to cut down trees for the project.
The light-rail is expected to start carrying passengers in 2022.
Copyright 2019 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Gov. Larry Hogan via Facebook)
