Closure makes way for Purple Line construction
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks will temporarily close portions of Sligo Creek Parkway beginning on or about September 16, 2024, to allow for the construction of the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Purple Line Light Rail Project. During this time, the project team will place light rail tracks and reconstruct the intersection along Wayne Avenue at Sligo Creek Parkway, while Montgomery Parks incorporates other improvements to the roadway.
The Sligo Creek Trail is expected to remain open for most of the construction, but some short-term closures are planned for trail improvements. Please follow detours and avoid closed segments of the trail.
Due to construction logistics, the parkway closures will occur at separate times, with the portion north of Wayne Avenue closed this fall. The portion south of Wayne Avenue will be closed in 2025, that schedule will be communicated nearer to the closure period. Each closure of the Parkway is expected to last approximately two months. The Purple Line project will announce specific closure updates as the work progresses.
Sligo Creek Parkway Closure Plan
- New end date: September – December 31, 2024: Sligo Creek Parkway (north side) from Schuyler Road to Wayne Avenue closed.
- January 2025: Sligo Creek Trail from Schuyler to Wayne Avenue will be closed for approximately four weeks for repaving
- Spring 2025: Sligo Creek Parkway (south side) from Piney Branch Road to Wayne Avenue closed. Estimated duration: two months in spring/summer 2025. The exact timeframe will depend on construction progress and updates will be provided by the Purple Line project.
- Summer 2025: Sligo Creek Trail from Piney Branch Road to the Dale Drive Neighborhood Park bridge over Sligo will be closed for approximately four weeks for repaving after the south side Parkway closure. The exact time frame is dependent on construction progress and Montgomery Parks will provide updates on its website.
“Montgomery Parks is proud to work with the MTA on this project,” said Montgomery Parks Director Miti Figueredo. “The parkway closure will allow construction of the Purple Line Sligo-Wayne intersection to be completed in a shorter amount of time while allowing Montgomery Parks to improve the roadway and trail in the area. We think parkway and trail users will be pleased with the result.”
During the construction, signs will detour vehicular traffic and pedestrians around the work zones. Full construction updates are available at purplelinemd.com
Ray Biggs II, MTA Senior Project Director for the Purple Line said, “Work in this area is a critical part of progressing track installation and continuing the Purple Line toward revenue service. We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership with Montgomery Parks as we continue the momentum on the Purple Line.”
The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail system that will provide direct travel from New Carrollton to Bethesda, Maryland. Twenty-one stations in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties will offer direct connections to Metrorail, AMTRAK, MARC commuter rail, and bus networks. It is expected to be completed by 2027.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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