Purple Line Builds New Silver Spring Transit Hub

New mezzanine at Silver Spring Station will connect Purple Line, 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, transit officials said. The project, which began in April 2023, continues through 2026 and aims to enhance accessibility and increase capacity for transfers between the three transit systems. Construction crews completed a 200-foot protective barrier on the Metro platform in May 2023 to separate riders from the work zone.

Multi-System Connection Enhances Regional Transit

The new mezzanine represents a significant infrastructure investment to improve connections between Maryland's light rail, Washington Metro's Red Line, and MARC Brunswick Line commuter service, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center already serves as a major hub for Metrobus and local bus routes. Officials said the expanded facility will create seamless transfers for thousands of daily commuters traveling between suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C. The project's design prioritizes accessibility with elevators and accessible pathways throughout the new structure.

Detours and Barriers Remain Through 2024

The protective barrier on the Metro platform will remain in place through summer 2024, with accessible pathways maintained on both sides for boarding and exiting trains. In July 2023, crews closed and demolished the pedestrian bridge to the MARC platform on the transit center's second level. Metrobus and Metrorail customers transferring to MARC trains must now follow an accessible detour along Ripley Street, accessible from the third level of Silver Spring Transit Center. That detour will remain for approximately two years, officials said.

Construction Timeline Extends Through 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation expects construction at Silver Spring Station to continue through 2026 as crews complete the mezzanine and restore full access between transit systems. The platform barricades installed in May 2023 were designed to remain for approximately 18 months. Officials said they'll provide updated timelines as major construction milestones are completed and new phases begin.

Riders Should Allow Extra Transfer Time

Transit customers transferring between Metro, MARC, and bus services at Silver Spring should allow extra time for the Ripley Street detour, officials said. The detour adds several minutes to connections that previously used the direct pedestrian bridge. Riders are advised to stay clear of construction zones for safety. Moovit provides real-time trip planning for Silver Spring Station that accounts for current construction detours and transfer times between Metro, MARC, and bus services.