The opening of the 26 km Purple Line light rail transit (LRT) line between New Carrollton and Bethesda in the suburbs of Washington DC has been postponed again. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDoT), despite project progress of over 65% in 2023, a further delay is necessary due to the complex nature of the project. The difficult construction conditions in the densely built-up urban environment with high vehicle and pedestrian congestion have led to delays in the construction work. Originally scheduled to open in early 2022, there were delays due to disputes over land acquisitions, environmental approvals, and design changes. A new contract was signed in 2022, with a planned opening in autumn 2026, which has now been postponed to winter 2027. MDoT has committed to provide up to €390.5 million (US$425 million) over five years to public-private partnership (PPP) concessionaire Purple Line Transit Partners, subject to certain milestones, including the arrival of the first light rail vehicle (LRV), completion of major construction on the University of Maryland College Park campus, reopening of the Capital Crescent Trail and the start of test runs.
