Silver Spring Bridge Reconstruction Has Finished
Purple Line officials have transferred control of the Spring Street bridge back to the local transit authority.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Construction
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Construction officials have completed the primary reconstruction of the Spring Street bridge in Silver Spring. The bridge, which has been closed since 2024, is now under the control of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.
Why it matters
Completion of this bridge span marks a key milestone for the 16-mile Purple Line light rail project. Delays in the reopening were previously caused by winter weather, construction conditions, and active railway scheduling requirements.
The Purple Line project is now 92% complete across its 16-mile route from Bethesda to New Carrollton. Crews will return to the site starting October 19 for finishing tasks during overnight hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The players
Purple Line
This is a 16-mile light rail project designed to connect Bethesda and New Carrollton.
Montgomery County Department of Transportation
This local agency manages the road infrastructure and transit network within the county.
The details
Inspections and safety reviews for the bridge are currently underway following the handover to county authorities. Workers will continue painting and other site-specific improvements during overnight shifts.
Timeline
The Spring Street bridge closed in 2024.
Crews begin additional overnight site work on October 19, 2026.
The construction contract is set to end on December 30, 2027.
Market Landscape
The Purple Line project is a major infrastructure expansion meant to reshape transit connectivity in the region. Completing this segment positions the project to meet its goal of becoming fully operational in late 2027.
Residents should anticipate overnight noise and activity near the bridge as crews perform final painting and site improvements. Local commuters can expect further updates regarding the eventual reopening of the bridge to public traffic.
The takeaway
The handover of the bridge signals that the project is nearing its final construction phase. Residents should continue to follow official local transit updates for news on when the crossing will return to service.
What happens next
Additional site work and painting are scheduled to begin at the bridge location on October 19, 2026, with the full construction contract slated to expire on December 30, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local development in the Silver Spring Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bethesda Magazine.
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