News Summary
Residents and business owners in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing construction of the Purple Line light rail. The project has resulted in hazardous conditions for pedestrians, particularly seniors, and is impacting access to local businesses. Traffic disruptions and road closures are leading to decreased customer traffic, raising fears of permanent closures amid the lengthy construction timeline, which is not expected to finish until 2027.
Silver Spring – Residents and business owners in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, are expressing frustration over the ongoing construction for the Purple Line light rail, which is impacting their daily lives and business operations. This construction is creating significant challenges, particularly for the seniors living in the Bonifant building, which sits directly adjacent to the work zone.
Many residents have reported difficulties accessing nearby amenities, such as the Safeway grocery store, due to uneven sidewalks and the light rail tracks. These conditions pose serious risks, especially for seniors who rely on mobility devices. Incidents of falls and injuries have increased, with some residents struggling to navigate the dangerous construction zone. For example, one resident dislocated her shoulder and suffered a torn rotator cuff after falling in the area.
Attempts to improve pedestrian access have been made, with a new walkway recently opened. However, residents are still waiting for the completion of the new sidewalk on the Bonifant side, which is not expected to be finished until the end of September. The Maryland Department of Transportation has acknowledged the frustrations of the residents and stated that updates will continue to be provided.
The construction has also affected transportation in the area. Wayne Avenue at Fenton Street is closed for construction, disrupting traffic flow and impacting public bus routes. These road closures are expected to have long-lasting consequences for local businesses, many of which have already reported a significant drop in customer traffic.
Local business owners near the construction sites are concerned about the future. Business operations are declining, and the threat of permanent closures looms large if the construction delays continue. One nearby business owner mentioned that the ongoing work has resulted in fewer customers visiting their establishment due to the obstructed access.
The Purple Line project is not expected to be complete until winter 2027, raising alarm among residents and business owners alike regarding the prolonged ramifications of construction on their lives and livelihoods. The challenges brought on by the road closures and hazardous conditions only add to the sense of unease within the community.
In summary, the ongoing construction for the Purple Line in downtown Silver Spring has become a significant source of frustration for both residents and business owners. As residents navigate the challenges of accessing services and commuters deal with road disruptions, the local community is left grappling with the implications of this massive infrastructure project and its impact on daily life. With more than four years to wait until the Purple Line opens, the concerns voiced by residents and businesses reflect ongoing struggles that have begun to shape their experiences in a city seeking progress.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Washington
- Wikipedia: Silver Spring, Maryland
- WTOP
- Google Search: Purple Line construction Silver Spring
- Bisnow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Source of the Spring
- Google News: construction Silver Spring
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