Purple Line Moves Another Step Closer to Construction

The state is now soliciting proposals from four teams to build the project

July 30, 2014 10:29 a.m.

The state released the request for proposals (RFP) for the Purple Line Tuesday, which will begin the final step of the process to find a team to design, construct, operate and maintain the Purple Line over the next 35 years.

Four construction and development teams were shortlisted by the state’s transportation department in January to build the 16-mile light rail project. The state will use this RFP to whittle those four down to one. The proposals are due by Jan. 9, 2015, and construction is expected to begin later that year.

The estimated cost of the project is $2.37 billion, with the private team expected to invest $500 million to $900 million. Local, state and federal money also will be used to fund the project. So far the federal government has committed $100 million, and is requesting an additional $900 million to be approved for the project. The state plans to invest $350 million to $750 million, and the department of transportation is working with Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to provide a total of $220 million.

- Advertisement -

Once built, the line will connect downtown Bethesda with New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. A total of 21 stations are planned along the route, which will pass through Silver Spring along the path of the current Capital Crescent Trail.

“The Purple Line will provide an essential east-west link as we strive toward the O’Malley-Brown administration’s goal of doubling transit ridership,” James Smith, the state transportation secretary, said in a press statement. “Advancing the Purple Line as a public-private partnership has resulted from a thorough evaluation and ensures that the taxpayers of Maryland receive the best value for their investment while maintaining our commitment to environmental stewardship, economic empowerment and community involvement.”

You can view the Purple Line RFP here.

Digital Partners

Enter our essay contest