MD Transportation Secretary Slater says purple line Construction to resume in the spring.
Yesterday Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation, Greg Slater announced that purple line construction will fully resume in spring 2022. The state recently chose Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS) to take over the $2.2 billion project after the previous developer backed out due to cost overruns and other issues.
The announcement came as welcome news for many communities along the 16 mile stretch of the new line. The transition of companies has been less than seamless and added almost two years to the projects time table. Looking forward the Secretary hopes to have a final agreement with MTS ready for the Board of Public Works’ February meeting.
When questioned by members of Prince George’s County Council regarding delays the Secretary said,
“It’s bringing in a new chef with a half-baked cake,” Slater said in response to questions from Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D). “We had to extend the due-diligence process twice.”
Some warn that costs can still be a major issue moving forward. The labor pool has shifted dramatically since the start of the pandemic and supply chain shortages will also have an impact.
Read the full Maryland Matters Story.
Infrastructure is a hot topic recently. Congress recently passed a federal infrastructure bill and MACo has made addressing Highway User Revenue a top issue. At the MACo Winter Conference session, “Go Big: Infrastructure Funding at a Crossroads,” an expert panel will discuss infrastructure funding, challenges, and opportunities impacting local governments.
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