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Purple Line Planning
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· A light rail system would have permanent stations and operate an updated streetcar on tracks with overhead wires. Like the bus line, it could run on streets with traffic or in dedicated lanes or a separate right-of-way.
· Most of the transit route would be at street level. Twenty-one station locations are being evaluated. A hiking/biking trail is included along the Georgetown Branch and CSX/Metrorail corridors.
Some Impacts
Communities: Although the bus or rail alternatives would improve mobility and enhance economic development along the corridor, they would eliminate three to 12 residential properties. Parking would have to be restricted on some streets.
Along some streets, including Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring, people are concerned that a transit line operating on the surface would harm the neighborhood's character. Others view the introduction of rapid buses or light rail as compatible with the car, truck and bus traffic already there.
Noise and Vibration: Silver Spring residents would hear moderate noise from rapid bus operations along the CSX corridor on Wayne Avenue and on Arliss Street. The light rail design includes vehicle skirts that substantially minimize noise. The Lyttonsville maintenance and storage yard in Montgomery would create moderate noise impacts from a bus system. The Glenridge yard in Prince George's would lead to severe noise from light rail. Noise walls might be needed.
Visual Effects: Rail operations would be reintroduced along the Georgetown Branch Trail. Trees would be removed within the right of way. Other areas of concern are Thayer Avenue and Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring and the University of Maryland campus in College Park. Landscaping, fencing or earth berms might be required. Existing poles or buildings could be used to support the trolley wires or new signs.
Open Space : Of the 53 public parks, recreation sites and open-space areas in the corridor, 11 parks, five open-space areas and five trails could be affected by the bus or rail alternatives.
Less than an acre of the individual parks would be affected. The Purple Line would benefit park users by providing direct transit access to the parks.
The Options
Build Nothing: Increasing traffic congestion lengthens travel times for cars and buses. The bus schedule becomes increasingly less reliable.
