Maryland’s Purple Line -- Lots of Pain for Very Little Gain

Opponents of Maryland’s Intercounty Connector linking I-270 and I-95 frequently cite construction of a beltway rail line (Purple Line) as a better alternative.

Yet state studies of this concept show -

The Purple Line’s cost is upwards of $7.5 Billion, paid largely by non-users.
In terms of traffic reduction, a Purple line would reduce Beltway traffic by less than 1% (.85%).

In fact, in Maryland analysis has shown that a Beltway Purple Line would be far more destructive than a new Potomac River Bridge of houses and property, slice through many more communities and, of course cross the historic C & O Canal that has been declared “off limits” by new bridge opponents.

The Environmental Summary of the Maryland Capital Beltway Corridor Transportation Study states that Purple Line impacts include:

"The potential for residential/business displacements and right-of-way acquisition impacts is greater with the transit options given the new alignments inside or outside the Beltway corridor."
"The implementation of the transit alternative would require significant amounts of new right-of-way that are not adjacent to the Capital Beltway."
“Approximately 136 parks have been identified within the study area, including stream valley parks, regional parks and a large number of neighborhood/community parks. The proposed action may result in impacts to some of these parks.”
“The Capital Beltway and potential transit alignment corridors are adjacent to or cross several 100-year floodplains, such as the Potomac River, Booze Creek, Rock Creek, Northwest Branch, Paint Branch and Little Paint Branch. In addition, 12 major stream crossings have been identified within the study area including Cabin John Creek, Thomas Branch, Indian Creek, and Henson Creek, as well as several smaller tributaries. Floodplains and wetlands associated with these crossings may be affected by the proposed HOV and transit alternatives. Wetlands and their associated vegetation and wildlife habitats are known to exist in the study area. Specific locations and boundaries will be identified during the next stage of the study.”
“There is the potential for numerous historic resources to be present in the study area.”
“An assessment of archaeological potential has determined that a Phase I archaeological investigation would be necessary for the project area contingent on potential areas of ground disturbance.”
“The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has identified approximately 44 state-listed rare, threatened and endangered plant or animal species existing near the American Legion Bridge and two state endangered species in the vicinity of the I-95/Greenbelt Road interchange.”
The Light Rail routes all have the potential for major impact both in PG and Montgomery Counties with regard to rights-of-way and displacements. These routes also have the potential for major impacts on the overall environmental rating, according to the study.