Photo Credit: The Washington Post
After decades of planning, construction challenges, and years of anticipation, the Purple Line officially reached a major milestone this week — the final track has now been laid.
And it happened all right here in Silver Spring.
State and local officials gathered on Thursday, May 7th 2026, at the future 16th Street–Woodside station in Silver Spring to celebrate the completion of track installation for the 16-mile light rail project that will connect users across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, and other regional leaders marked the occasion by driving in the final rail spikes down into the ground.
This milestone represents one of the most significant moments yet for the Purple Line project. Despite years of setbacks, contractor disputes, utility relocations, pandemic delays, and rising costs, officials say the finish line is finally near.
Once completed, the Purple Line will feature 21 stations connecting communities across the region while linking riders to Metro, MARC, Amtrak, and local bus systems. Supporters say the line will improve regional mobility, create stronger transit connections between Maryland communities, support economic development, and encourage more walkable neighborhoods around stations.