The intersection of Fenton Street and Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring is set to remain closed until mid-to-late August due to ongoing construction of the Maryland Purple Line.
This closure is part of a larger project that continues to disrupt area traffic patterns and local businesses.
In addition to the Fenton Street blockage, further closures will occur at the intersections of University Boulevard and Lebanon Street, as well as along eastbound Wayne Avenue between Manchester Road and the Manchester Place station.
During this period, several Ride On bus routes, specifically routes 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 25, will experience detours or stop relocations.
Metrobus’s F4 route on Fenton Street will similarly reroute to avoid the closed intersection at Wayne Avenue.
The construction schedule strategically coincides with the local school summer break, allowing crews to safely install new light rail tracks, reconstruct sidewalks, and complete necessary stormwater drainage and utility crossings at the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street.
While this work requires a full closure to vehicular traffic, pedestrian access will remain unaffected.
Access to the Wayne Avenue parking garage and nearby businesses will also continue, as indicated in a recent press release.
As part of a wider initiative, the Maryland Purple Line light rail project is currently over 78 percent complete and aims to open in winter 2027.
However, this construction has not been without its challenges. Traffic disruptions have plagued the area for months, especially affecting local establishments like Mandalay Restaurant & Café and newcomer Café via Roma.
Located nearby, these businesses have noted significant impacts due to ongoing construction along Wayne Avenue.
Recent traffic barriers have closed the intersection with Dale Drive, further complicating patterns leading to Sligo Creek Parkway.
Compounding these issues, the reopening of the Spring Street Bridge has faced multiple delays primarily due to the complexities involved in relocating overhead utility lines and executing excavation work at the site.
Initially projected for completion in 2025, the reopening has now been pushed to early 2026.
Key to the Spring Street Bridge construction is the relocation of various overhead utilities, necessitating coordination with seven utility companies as well as CSX and WMATA.
As freight and MARC commuter trains approach the construction area, CSX flaggers must halt work to ensure the trains can pass safely, adding to the overall timelines.
Meanwhile, construction crews are focused on building the bridge foundation, which requires significant excavation to install a new stormwater management system that goes deep below road elevation.
According to Montgomery County requirements, the pedestrian signal crossing on the 16th Street bridge must remain operational, continuing to provide safe passage for those on foot.
For those seeking further insights regarding ongoing construction details, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation is available for inquiries.
Despite the challenges, the Purple Line project reports significant progress, with 78.6 percent of construction completed and currently 50 percent of the track installed.
The Purple Line team acknowledges the significant impact the bridge closure has on the-local community and expresses appreciation for continued patience during these extended construction periods.
In a positive development amidst these disruptions, Mandalay Restaurant, which has also opened a quick-service delivery and takeout location at Ivy City Food Works recently, is experiencing a gratitude-inspiring surge in orders following a call to the community for support.
Owner Joe Myint took to social media to thank patrons for their increased orders in his message.
He expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and encouraged residents to continue supporting the restaurant which has been a local favorite for many years.
“We thank you for all of the orders and support this last week. It has been wonderful, and we are grateful,” said Myint.
He encouraged customers to bring friends, share the restaurant with new patrons, and explore their menu of both new and old dishes this summer.
The community’s involvement is crucial as the restaurant aims to navigate this challenging period while maintaining its longstanding presence in Silver Spring.
image source from：sourceofthespring
