SILVER SPRING, Md. - Thursday night there was a showdown in Montgomery County (web | news) over the plan to build the so-called Purple Line. The proposal would allow passengers to travel between Prince George's and Montgomery counties, but some people have a problem with how it will be built.

Montgomery County residents who live along the intensely green Capital Crescent trail, worry the tracks of the future Purple Line will mark the end for the 23-year-old landmark.

"My concern is that the trail is being destroyed recklessly," shared resident David Salzman.

The plan is to run dual tracks through the 11-mile trail, connecting the northern section of the county and parts of Prince George's to the heart of Bethesda.

"The county told us, this trail could co-exist with two high-speed trains," said Terri Lucas. "We don't believe it."

Thurday night, those who oppose the alignment plan for the new 16-mile Metro rail, packed the planning commission's public hearing. On top of more than 1,000 mature trees being cut, residents worry about the bottle neck of congestion.

"It's going to make for ruinous commutes for people taking Connecticut Avenue in and out of the District," stated Salzman.

Yet County leaders assure residents the quieter, cleaner, light rail will only enhance the popular trail, which is used by about 10,000 people weekly.

"It was never completed and never brought to its natural nexus, which is the Silver Spring Metro. It's a really beautiful trail but it doesn't really lead you anywhere," said Maryland Del. Tom Hucker.

The $1.7 billion line is projected to be one of the most heavily used transit projects in the nation, with about 69,000 riders boarding each day.

Hucker assured, "There is plenty of room for the train and a completed and enhanced trail."

A landscape developer at the meeting told us one option for having the trail and trains co-exist is underground tunnels, but county leaders say that option is way too expensive.

 

 Email To Friend