The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold two virtual public hearings later this month to discuss proposed sidewalk and accessibility improvements around future Purple Line stations in Silver Spring.
The hearings are part of the Purple Line Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area (BiPPA) program, which aims to improve walking and cycling connections to Purple Line stations through new sidewalks, curb ramps, and other accessibility upgrades.
The first hearing will be held online on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 pm and will focus on proposed improvements around the Long Branch station. The project includes the installation of 5-foot-wide, ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps on roadways located within a half-mile and quarter-mile of the station.
A second virtual hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at 6:30 pm to discuss similar improvements around the Manchester Place station. The proposal also calls for new 5-foot-wide sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps designed to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity to the future Purple Line station.
During both hearings, MCDOT staff will present updated project plans, cost estimates, and construction schedules, while also collecting public testimony and answering questions. Officials said public feedback could influence final project decisions.
Residents can register online to participate in either hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to MCDOT and carry the same weight as oral testimony. The proposed projects are intended to enhance access to the Purple Line and improve connections between surrounding neighborhoods and transit services throughout Montgomery County and the Washington region.
