Purple Line digital signage activated at Silver Spring Library

Digital signage for the future Purple Line light rail has been activated at the Silver Spring Library station in downtown Silver Spring. Currently, it is displaying the name of the station, and the estimated time the next trains will arrive in each direction. Of course, the specific times are currently blank. But trains will be making test runs between now and the start of service in late 2027 or early 2028. In fact, a trainset has already passed through this station, pulled by a truck.

Silver Spring Library Purple Line station construction update (Photos)

Every day it seems like something new pops up at the future Silver Spring Library Purple Line station at 900 Wayne Avenue. More signage is in place. One new sign advises that tickets must be purchased prior to boarding the light rail train that will run between Bethesda and New Carrollton beginning in late December 2027. Elevated loudspeakers have been installed for station announcements and audio warnings. 

Why install all of this so far in advance of the start date? First, trains will take many test runs prior to the launch date. And second, early activation of all of these signs and sounds will give drivers and pedestrians in the area a chance to become familiar with the cues they'll need to be alert for when trains actually start running. I imagine safety technicians will also be monitoring these interactions during the test phase to see if any additional signage is needed in certain spots, or if a sign can be better positioned.

Railroad crossing signs installed outside of Silver Spring Library for Purple Line (Photos)

More signage to warn pedestrians and drivers of approaching Purple Line trains have been installed outside of the Silver Spring Library at 900 Wayne Avenue. A railroad crossing crossbuck-style sign sits atop a Signal-Tech Another Train Coming LED sign. The latter is a product marketed specifically for light rail crossings. It is designed to alert pedestrians to the fact that a second train is approaching on the other track, so that they will not step around the first, stopped train into the path of the oncoming second train. This is especially important given that, as a previously-installed sign warns, not every train will necessarily stop. The Purple Line is currently anticipated to begin operating in December 2027.

Purple Line signage installed at Silver Spring Library station (Photos)

A mysterious obelisk has landed at the intersection of Fenton Street and Wayne Avenue by the Silver Spring Library. It's not from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but rather, signage for the future Purple Line station at the library. Alas, it is still in protective wrapping, so we can't see it yet. But a second sign nearby is fully visible. This one warns pedestrians to look, and then "look again," as the light rail "trains may not stop." T-minus two years, folks!

First Purple Line station signage installed in Silver Spring

The first Purple Line light rail station signage I have seen in Montgomery County is now installed at the Silver Spring Library station in downtown Silver Spring. Crews have been installing gray brick pavers between the embedded tracks at the station. The light rail line is now expected to begin service in early 2028.

Overnight Purple Line work this week in downtown Silver Spring

Purple Line-related utility work will take place near the McGee Library in downtown Silver Spring during the overnight hours this week, starting on the evening of December 15, 2023. Underground utilities will be installed between the library building and Bonifant Street. Work will take place between the hours of 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM. No completion date estimate for the work was mentioned in the announcement, and - as always - work plans may change due to inclement weather.

Purple Line station construction set to begin at Silver Spring Library

The Maryland Transit Administration announced that construction of the Purple Line light rail station at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library will begin on or about January 23, 2023. Access to the library itself, and to nearby businesses, will be maintained at all times, the MTA said. ADA-compliant access will be maintained from Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. 

First, contractors will install safety fencing around the work area. That will be followed by excavation, utility relocation, systems installation, and the laying of track, in that order. Work will be performed between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays and weekends, as needed. Construction of the library Purple Line stop is expected to be completed by December 2023, although train service is not expected to begin for several years after that.

Silver Spring construction update: Central (Photos)

Central, the mixed-use project from Grosvenor Americas at 8455 Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, was only one story above street level in my last report. Work is now underway on the fourth floor of the building as of today.

The project includes 243 residential units, and 17,000 SF of retail/restaurant space. Located in a prime spot near the Silver Spring Library and future Purple Line station, Central is expected to deliver about a year from now.

Signage touting future Purple Line station at Silver Spring Library (Photos)

Promotional window screens have been installed touting the future Purple Line light rail station, which will be constructed at this spot right outside of the Silver Spring Library. It gives some basic explanation of what you'll be able to connect to, and what other rail and bus connections you'll be able to make on the route. And indicates that you'll still be let on board if all you're wearing are wraparound sunglasses and an XXL-size Hanes Beefy-T.

Silver Spring Library book drop closed (Photo)

Yesterday was the last day to drop your borrowed materials into the Book Drop at the venerable Silver Spring Library, at 8901 Colesville Road. The drop closed yesterday in preparation for the switch to the brand new Silver Spring Library at 900 Wayne Avenue (the old library closed last month).

During the "no library" period in downtown Silver Spring, you may return materials to any other Montgomery County Public Library. The Long Branch and Chevy Chase libraries are likely the closest.

To find out more about how to handle your library card account during the interim period, visit the County's Silver Spring Library website.