Motorists and pedestrians have a new challenge in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, thanks to the latest phase of Purple Line construction. [connatix_element_embed script_id=50df98e806cc446982fe1bbb4ef247ad player_id=7bc491b4-922b-4e8d-b1b1-150648e80442 video_id=1ff1f0e5-be3f-4fa3-b8db-b3e913a18a6b align=right]

Until middle to late August, Wayne Avenue at Fenton Street near the Silver Spring Library is closed so workers can lay track and make other Purple Line improvements.

The Maryland Department of Transportation said it chose the summer when school is out for this project to “minimize disruption.” Some bus routes could be impacted, MDOT said.

It’s part of ongoing construction on the Purple Line in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties that’s made it hard to access some areas. That work has led to financial losses for some businesses; MDOT has offered grants to some of the impacted small businesses.

Walking through the area is kind of like going through a maze of big orange construction barriers and sidewalk detour signs.

Laura Schoenfeld, who lives in the area, is not all that concerned about the impact on drivers.

“It’s weirdly quiet because there’s no traffic, that’s a plus,” Schoenfeld said.

Corey Baker walks through the area quite a bit: “For me, I don’t really mind. I like the walking; but for the older people, especially, y’all got to think about them.”

“It’s very inconvenient, especially to commuters during rush hour,” he added.

Schoenfeld agreed it’s a little difficult walking around the area but is trying to be optimistic.

“I think they did a pretty good job in the grand scheme … it’s just been taking forever,” she said.