Purple Line Builds Hub Connecting Three Transit Modes

New mezzanine at Silver Spring Station will connect Purple Line to Metro and MARC by 2026

Purple Line Builds Mezzanine at Silver Spring

Maryland's Purple Line construction crews are building a new mezzanine at Silver Spring Station that'll connect the future light rail platform to Metro, MARC commuter trains, and the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center, officials said. The project, which started in April 2023, continues through 2026 and aims to improve connections between transit services while increasing capacity and accessibility. Riders transferring between services should expect detours and allow extra travel time during construction.

Multi-Year Project Enhances Transit Connections

The Maryland Department of Transportation MTA's construction work focuses on creating seamless connections between multiple transit modes at one of the region's busiest transfer points. Silver Spring Station serves as a major hub where Metrorail's Red Line, MARC Brunswick Line commuter service, and numerous bus routes converge. The new mezzanine will provide direct indoor connections between these services, eliminating the need for riders to navigate outdoor pathways or multiple levels. Transit officials said the infrastructure improvements will accommodate growing ridership and prepare the station for Purple Line operations.

Barriers and Detours Affect Station Access

Construction crews completed a 200-foot protective barrier on the Metro platform in May 2023 to separate riders from the work zone, with accessible pathways maintained on both sides for boarding trains. The barrier's expected to remain through summer 2024. In July 2023, workers closed and demolished the pedestrian bridge connecting to the MARC platform on the transit center's second level. An accessible detour along Ripley Street, reachable from the third level of Silver Spring Transit Center, will stay in place for about two years. Metrobus and Metrorail customers transferring to MARC trains must follow this detour route.

Construction Timeline Extends Through 2026

The mezzanine construction work will continue for approximately three years from its April 2023 start date, officials said. Platform barricades are scheduled to remain through summer 2024, while the Ripley Street pedestrian detour will be in place for roughly two years from its July 2023 establishment. Officials haven't provided a specific completion date beyond the 2026 timeframe. The Maryland Department of Transportation MTA said it'll release additional construction milestones as work progresses.

Riders Should Plan for Extra Travel Time

Transit customers transferring between Metro, MARC, and bus services at Silver Spring should allow additional time for trips due to the pedestrian detours and modified station layouts. Officials advised riders to stay clear of construction zones for safety. The Purple Line outreach team provides project updates through email and phone, though specific contact information wasn't available by publication time. Moovit offers real-time updates for Metro, MARC, and bus services affected by the Silver Spring Station construction work.