Purple Line construction crews are closing lanes on Chevy Chase Lake Drive, running round-the-clock concrete operations in downtown Bethesda and rerouting pedestrians near Wisconsin Avenue, according to an Aug. 9 project update from design-build contractor Maryland Transit Solutions.

Here's what residents need to know, street by street.

Chevy Chase Lake Drive

Utility work is causing temporary lane closures on Chevy Chase Lake Drive. Parking is limited. Crews may work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, with some material deliveries arriving before 7 a.m. Vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained around the work zone, according to the update.

The remaining work on Chevy Chase Lake Drive, including curbs, sidewalks, final paving and grass seeding, is expected to wrap by the end of summer 2026. The project did not specify whether that means Labor Day or a later date.

Jones Mill Road underpass

Crews are building retaining walls, relocating utilities and finishing the west side of Jones Mill Road. Work may run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends through the summer.

Elm Street site

The Bethesda station connection at Elm Street is operating on two shifts: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays and weekends as needed. Crews are waterproofing, pouring concrete and building the underground cavern and shaft from the bottom up, with concrete pours happening at night. A lobby connection just below Elm Street is also under construction.

The project warned that summer heat may push some work outside standard hours. Rapid curing at high temperatures can compromise concrete, so crews may start as early as 5 a.m. or work overnight. The noisiest work will be prioritized to daytime shifts, according to the update.

Pedestrian detour near Wisconsin Avenue

Pedestrian access between Wisconsin Avenue and Elm Street remains closed. The detour routes walkers via Wisconsin Avenue crossings at Elm Street and Waverly Street, then west on Hampden Lane to Woodmont Avenue and onto Elm Street.

Connecticut Avenue station

Work continues at the Connecticut Avenue Purple Line station, including utility installations, retaining wall construction and other station elements. Crews may work 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends.

Light rail vehicle testing

Purple Line crews are testing light rail vehicles between the Lyttonsville Operations and Maintenance Facility and Bethesda Station. Most testing runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but vehicles can move at any time. Testing doesn't affect traffic.

The Maryland Transit Administration said in State Delegate Marc Korman's June 15 newsletter that the "Major Construction Complete" milestone reached earlier in 2026 meant remaining work was limited primarily to the Bethesda Metro station connection and miscellaneous final adjustments. The broader project was reported at 90% complete as of early August in prior reporting, with revenue service projected for March 17, 2028.

Trail construction

Crews are also building the Purple Line and Capital Crescent Trail along the former Georgetown Branch Trail corridor between Elm Street Park and Rock Creek Park, with work possible 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends through summer 2026.

How to get alerts

Residents can sign up for text and email construction alerts through Maryland Transit Solutions' notification system.