Purple Line construction started back up on Tuesday in Bethesda, Maryland — and it’s expected to get loud.
Crews began blasting rock to create the connection between the Purple Line and the Red Line at the Bethesda Metro station.
"We need to connect from up here on Wisconsin Avenue, all the way down to the Metro red line," said Matthew Pollack, the Purple Line executive director for the Maryland transit administration.
Construction was paused for several years, after the previous builder withdrew from the project. But with a new contractor now on the project, the booming construction is back.
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The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail connecting Bethesda to New Carrollton.
Neighbors on Tuesday said they're excited for it to finally open.
"I think it's great, because we do need another line to go different places so we can get to places much quicker," said Nell Moore, a Montgomery County resident.
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"To be able to get on a train and know that I don't have to drive, that I don't have to be the one who's steering or thinking about driving, I can read a book or listen to a podcast, is really nice," said Helen Aberger, who works nearby.
According to the Maryland Transit Administration, the blasting will last through the end of the year. The work is set to occur on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and they'll set off a warning siren before each blast to let people know what’s coming.
Construction has been difficult for some businesses in the area, News4 reported. Prince George's County is offering grants of up to $10,000 to help those who are struggling.
But other community members told News4 they feel any short term inconveniences are worth it in the long run.
"The more lines we have, the more robust we can make the public transit system around here, the better," said Fletcher Lowe, who works near the construction.
As of now, the long-awaited line is expected to open in 2026.
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