Project documents acquired by The Washington Post reveal numerous unresolved problems with construction on the Purple Line.
"The opening of Maryland’s Purple Line is at least a year behind schedule, and delays have added at least $215 million to the light-rail line’s cost," reports Katherine Shaver.
Now the Purple Line is expected to open in February 2023, "almost a year behind the March 2022 opening date in the project’s contract and four months behind the October 2022 date that Maryland transit officials insist is still possible," according to Shaver.
Apparently there is still dispute over the potential opening data. State transportation officials are pushing Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP), "a team of companies building the 16-mile line and helping to finance its construction," to accelerate work to stick closer to the original schedule. Meanwhile, contractors have also proposed a much later opening date of June 2024.
There are $5.6 billion reasons for PLTP and the state to figure out a way to get on the same page. "PLTP and the state signed a $5.6 billion contract — one of the largest ever in Maryland — for the private consortium to design and build the line and then operate and maintain it for 30 years. PLTP also is helping to finance the line’s $2.4 billion construction," according to Shaver.
FULL STORY: Purple Line will open a year late and delays will cost at least $215 million, contractor says
Another Lawsuit Complicates Purple Line Plans in Maryland
The 16-mile Purple Line light rail project, which connects Maryland suburbs in Montgomery and Prince George's counties to the D.C. Metro Gold, Red, and Orange lines, is facing a new lawsuit.
Maryland's Purple Line Gets the Green Light Again
The public-private partnership behind the Purple Line light rail project in Maryland fell apart in September, and has this past week been revived.
Purple Line Construction Halts in Maryland as Contractor Woes Deepen
Purple Line Transit Partners, the contractors managing construction of the beleaguered Purple Line in Maryland, have begun to walk off the job as a dispute about cost overruns brings the project to a screeching halt.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis
Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.
Learning From Wildfire Evacuations
Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.
Parking Reform Yields New Housing
As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Berkeley County
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Ada County Highway District
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland