Purple Line Construction Updates
Major Impacts - Spring Semester 2026
The university worked with the Maryland Department of Transportation, the project owner, to accelerate major construction in the core of campus, which is now complete. As minor construction continues, watch for the following impacts this Spring semester:
- Road Closures on Rossborough Lane (see maps):
- West of Baltimore Avenue the road is closed (near Turner Hall and Rossborough Inn)
- East of Baltimore Avenue, the road is closed to Diamondback Drive (near Ritchie Coliseum)
- There are ADA-compliant pedestrian detours
If you have questions or encounter issues while traveling around campus, including accessibility concerns, please contact purpleline@umd.edu.
Periodic Lane Closures - 1.24.26-5.29.26
The Purple Line contractor will continue to conduct periodic lane closures through the end of May 2026 at the following locations, listed from west to east. See maps for details (numbers on the map correspond to the list below).
- University Boulevard between Temple Street and Adelphi Road (near Graduate Hills Apartments)
- Adelphi Road between Tulane Drive and University Boulevard (near Graduate Hills Apartments and UMGC)
- Campus Drive between University Boulevard and Presidential Drive (near UMGC)
- Alumni Drive near Union Drive (in Lots 1/Z)
- Union Drive between Alumni Drive (in Lots 1/Z) and Campus Drive (near the Benjamin Building)
- Union Lane between the Union Lane Garage and Campus Drive (near the Adele H. Stamp Student Union)
- North Library Lane near the University Health Center
- Campus Drive between Union Drive (near the Benjamin Building) and the M
- Regents Drive between the Geology Building and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building
- Baltimore Avenue between Hotel Drive and Fraternity Row
- Rossborough Lane between Diamondback Drive and Yale Avenue
- Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane (near the Leonardtown Apartments) and River Road (near the WMATA Metrorail station)
One lane of travel in each direction will remain open at all times. These closures will not occur when major events are scheduled on campus. Watch for shifting construction activity and signage.
Various Campus Lane Closures - 1.21.26-1.23.26
Starting on or about Wednesday, January 21 through Friday, January 23, the Purple Line contractor will conduct various lane closures on campus from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all locations. Details are as follows:
- Wednesday, January 21
- Union Drive and Alumni Drive intersection (flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions)
- Union Lane between Campus Drive and the Union Lane Garage (flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions)
- Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22
- Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M (eastbound and westbound lane closures will not occur simultaneously)
- Regents Drive between Campus Drive and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building (one lane of northbound traffic will be temporarily converted for southbound use)
- Regents Drive between the Geology Building and Campus Drive (one lane of southbound traffic will be temporarily converted for northbound use)
- Friday, January 23
- Campus Drive and Regents Drive intersection (flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions)
Watch for shifting constructing activity. See maps for details.
Campus & Regents Drives - Lane Closures - 1.12.26-1.16.26
Starting on or about Monday, January 12, the Purple Line contractor will conduct periodic lane closures from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., for approximately 5 days at the following locations:
- Campus Drive between the Benjamin Building and Union Lane (eastbound and westbound lane closures will not occur simultaneously)
- Campus Drive between the Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center and Symons Hall (flaggers will direct eastbound and westbound traffic)
- Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M (eastbound and westbound lane closures will not occur simultaneously)
- Regents Drive between Campus Drive and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building (one lane of northbound traffic will be temporarily converted for southbound use)
Traffic will be maintained in all directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See maps for details.
Track Cleaning Activities - Lane Closures - 1.11.26
On or about Sunday, January 11, the Purple Line contractor will perform track cleaning activities along the alignment between the College Park Metro parking garage and Adelphi Road from 4 a.m. until 1 p.m.
To facilitate this work, the contractor will conduct mobile lane closures utilizing a safety vehicle-escort and flaggers maintaining two-way traffic at all times.
Expect brief delays. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Union Lane – Lane Closures - 12.17.25
On or about Wednesday, December 17, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane closures on Union Lane between Campus Drive and the Union Lane Garage from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Flaggers will maintain traffic in both directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive – Overnight Lane Closures -12.14.25
On or about Sunday, December 14, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane closures on Campus Drive between the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the WMATA Metro parking garage from 12:30 a.m. until 4:30 a.m.
Traffic will be maintained in both directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Campus & Regents Drives – Lane Closures -12.10.25-12.12.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, December 10, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane closures from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 3 days, at the following locations:
- Eastbound and westbound lanes of Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M (closures will not occur simultaneously)
- Southbound lane of Regents Drive between Campus Drive and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building; one lane of northbound traffic will be temporarily converted for southbound use
Traffic will be maintained in all directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Baltimore Avenue – Lane Closures -12.8.25-12.19.25
Starting on or about Monday, December 8, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures on Baltimore Avenue between Hotel Drive and Fraternity Row, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 2 weeks. One lane of northbound and southbound travel will remain open at all times.
Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Track Inspections & Geometric Testing -11.24.25-12.5.25
Starting on or about Monday, November 24, the Purple Line contractor will conduct track inspection activities along the alignment between the College Park Metro parking garage and Adelphi Road from 4 a.m. until 7 a.m., for approximately 3 days. This operation involves a safety vehicle-escorted cart driving continuously along the tracks at around 5 mph from east to west, and then from west to east.
On or about Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4, from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following day, the contractor will conduct geometric testing of the tracks in this same portion of the alignment. This operation involves a police-escorted truck driving continuously along the tracks at 10 mph from east to west, and then from west to east. Crews, including police officers, will be deployed ahead of the testing truck to briefly block cross streets and sidewalks to ensure driver and pedestrian safety.
Expect brief delays. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Sidewalk Closure -11.24.25-11.26.25
Starting on or about Monday, November 24, the Purple Line contractor will close the sidewalk on the southside of Campus Drive between Adelphi Road and Presidential Drive (near the University Baptist Church) for approximately 3 days. See map for details and the pedestrian detour.
Overnight Closures for Overhead Wire Work -11.23.25-11.26.25
Starting on or about Sunday, November 23, the Purple Line contractor will perform activities related to the overhead wires along the alignment between University Boulevard (near the Graduate Hills Apartments) and Presidential Drive (near the University Baptist Church), from 12 a.m. until 7 a.m., for approximately 4 days.
To facilitate this work, the contractor will conduct lane closures but will maintain traffic flow in both directions for most of the operation; however, there will be complete traffic stoppages for up to 15 minutes at the intersections along this portion of the light-rail alignment.
Unfettered emergency vehicle access will be provided at all locations. Allow for additional travel time or avoid areas, if possible. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Regents Drive - Lane Closure -11.23.25-11.26.25
Starting on or about Sunday, November 23, the Purple Line contractor will conduct a lane closure of southbound Regents Drive between Campus Drive and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 4 days.
One lane of northbound traffic will be temporarily converted for southbound use. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Baltimore Avenue - Lane Closures -11.17.25-11.26.25
Starting on or about Monday, November 17, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures on Baltimore Avenue between Hotel Drive and Fraternity Row, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 8 days (excluding weekends) for traffic signal pole device installation at Rossborough Lane.
One lane of northbound and southbound travel will remain open at all times. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Campus & Regents Drives Intersection - Lane Closures -11.17.25-11.18.25
On or about Monday, November 17, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures at the Campus Drive and Regents Drive intersection to perform utility manhole inspections. The closures will occur from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. the following day.
Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Lane Closures -11.15.25-12.8.25
Starting on or about Saturday, November 15, the Purple Line contractor will conduct daily lane closures on Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane (near the Leonardtown Apartments) and the College Park Metro parking garage from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., for approximately 3 weeks.
There will also be periodic lane closures in this same area from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day.
One lane of travel in each direction will remain open at all times. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive & Regents Drive - Lane Closures -11.14.25
On or about Friday, November 14, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane closures from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at the following locations:
- One lane of eastbound Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M; one lane will remain open
- Southbound lane of Regents Drive between Campus Drive and the Mitchell Building; one lane of northbound traffic will be temporarily converted for southbound use
Traffic will be maintained in all directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Alumni Dr. & Union Dr. Intersection - Overnight Closures - 11.13.25-11.14.25
On or about Thursday, November 13, the Purple Line contractor will conduct overnight lane and sidewalk closures at the intersection of Union Drive and Alumni Drive for traffic signal pole and mast arm installation. The closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions.
There will be 2 full traffic stoppages performed, lasting no longer than 15 minutes each. The first will occur around 9 p.m. and the second will occur around 12 a.m. Emergency response vehicles will have unfettered access at all times.
Watch for shifting construction activity and follow pedestrian detour signage. See map for details.
Baltimore Avenue - Lane Closures - 11.12.25-11.14.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, November 12, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures on Baltimore Avenue between Hotel Drive and Fraternity Row, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 3 days for traffic signal pole and device installation at Rossborough Lane. One lane of northbound and southbound travel will remain open at all times.
Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Overnight Lane Closures - 11.10.25-11.15.25
Starting on or about Monday, November 10, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane closures on Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane (near the Leonardtown Apartments) and the Metro parking garage for roadway marking activities. These lane closures will occur from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day, for approximately 5 nights.
One lane of travel in each direction will remain open at all times. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Overnight Closures - Overhead Wire Installation - 11.5.25-11.8.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, November 5, the Purple Line contractor perform activities related to the overhead wires between University Boulevard (near the Graduate Hills Apartments) and Alumni Drive (near Knight Hall), from 12 a.m. until 5 a.m. for approximately 4 nights.
To facilitate this work, the contractor will conduct lane closures but will maintain traffic flow in both directions for most of the operation; however, there will be complete traffic stoppages for up to 15 minutes at the intersections along this portion of the light-rail alignment.
Unfettered emergency vehicle access will be provided at all locations. Allow for additional travel time or avoid areas, if possible. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Periodic Lane Closures - 11.1.25-1.23.26
The Purple Line contractor will continue to conduct periodic daytime lane closures through the end of January 2026 at the following locations, listed from west to east:
- University Boulevard between Temple Street and Adelphi Road (near Graduate Hills Apartments)
- Adelphi Road between Tulane Drive and University Boulevard (near Graduate Hills Apartments and UMGC)
- Campus Drive between Adelphi Road and Presidential Drive (near UMGC)
- Campus Drive between Regents Drive (near Symons Hall) and Alumni Drive (in Lots 1/Z)
- Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane and River Road (near the WMATA Metrorail station)
One lane of travel in each direction will remain open at all times. These closures will not occur when major events are scheduled on campus. Watch for shifting construction activity and signage. See maps for details.
Campus Dr. & Regents Dr. Intersection - Lane Closures - 10.29.25-10.31.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, October 29, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures at the Campus Drive and Regents Drive intersection to repair traffic signal pole lighting. The closures will occur from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. the following day, for approximately 2 nights. Due to a large event on campus, the lane closures will start no earlier than 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30.
Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map.
Baltimore Avenue - Lane Closures - 10.27.25-10.31.25
Starting on or about Monday, October 27, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures on Baltimore Avenue between Hotel Drive and Fraternity Row, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., for approximately 5 days for traffic signal pole installation at Rossborough Lane. One lane of northbound and southbound travel will remain open at all times. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Sidewalk Closure - 10.27.25-10.31.25
Starting on or about Monday, October 27, the Purple Line contractor will close the sidewalk on the southside of Campus Drive between Adelphi Road and Presidential Drive (near the University Baptist Church) for approximately 5 days. See map for details and the pedestrian detour.
Campus Drive Traffic Pattern Adjustment - 10.22.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, October 22, the Purple Line contractor will reopen all lanes on Campus Drive between Rossborough Lane (near the Leonardtown Apartments) and River Road (near the WMATA Metro station) allowing for two lanes of travel in both directions.
The contractor will conduct periodic lane closures through December 2025, but will maintain traffic in both directions at all times. The traffic signals at the WMATA Metro parking garage entrance will be activated in conjunction with the traffic shift. See map for details.
Overnight Closures for Overhead Wire Installation - 10.13.25-10.18.25
Starting on or about Monday, October 13, the Purple Line contractor will install overhead wires between University Boulevard (near the Graduate Hills Apartments) and Alumni Drive (near Knight Hall), from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following day for approximately 5 nights.
The contractor will perform lane closures with flagging to maintain traffic flow in both directions for most of the operation; however, after 12:30 a.m. each night, there will be complete traffic stoppages for up to 30 minutes at the intersections along this portion of the light-rail alignment.
Unfettered emergency vehicle access will be provided at all locations.
Allow for additional travel time or avoid areas, if possible. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Overnight Geometric Track Testing - 10.4.25-10.5.25
On or about Saturday, October 4, from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. the following day, the Purple Line contractor will conduct geometric testing of the tracks between Kenilworth Avenue and Adelphi Road. This operation involves a police-escorted truck driving continuously along the tracks at 10 mph from east to west, and then from west to east.
Crews, including police officers, will be deployed ahead of the testing truck to briefly block cross streets and sidewalks to ensure driver and pedestrian safety. Expect brief delays as the testing truck is on route. See map for details.
Overnight Closures at Union Dr. & Alumni Dr. Intersection - 10.1.25-10.3.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, October 1, the Purple Line contractor will conduct overnight lane and sidewalk closures at the intersection of Union Drive and Alumni Drive for traffic signal pole and mast arm installation. The closures will occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day, for approximately 2 nights. Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions.
There will be 2 complete traffic stoppages performed both nights, lasting no longer than 15 minutes each. The first will occur around 9 p.m. and the second will occur around 12 a.m. Emergency response vehicles will have unfettered access at all times.
Watch for shifting construction activity and follow pedestrian detour signage. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Bike Path & Sidewalk Closures - 9.29.25-10.3.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 29, the Purple Line contractor will close a section of the Campus Drive bike path, and adjacent sidewalks, near the Topiary Testudo and the Veteran’s Memorial Flag Court for approximately 5 days. See map for details and pedestrian detour.
Diamondback Dr. & Yale Ave. Connector – Lane Closures - 9.26.25-9.30.25
Starting on or about Friday, September 26, the Purple Line contractor will conduct shifting lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for approximately 3 days (excluding the weekend), at the following locations:
- Diamondback Drive between Hotel Drive and Rossborough Lane (near the Energy Plant)
- The connector road between Rossborough Lane and Yale Avenue (near Leonardtown Apartment 244)
Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in all directions. Watch for shifting construction activity and signage. See map for details.
Campus Drive - Sidewalk Closure - 9.24.25-9.26.25
Starting on or about Wednesday, September 24, the Purple Line contractor will close the sidewalk on the southside of Campus Drive between Adelphi Road (near the Graduate Hills Apartments) and Presidential Drive (near the University Baptist Church) for approximately 2 days. See map for details and the pedestrian detour.
Baltimore Avenue – Lane & Sidewalk Closures - 9.22.25-9.25.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 22, the Purple Line contractor will conduct lane and a sidewalk closures on Baltimore Avenue between Fraternity Row and Hotel Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as follows:
- The right-hand lane of southbound Baltimore Avenue will be closed on or about Monday, September 22 and Tuesday, September 23
- The right-hand lane, and adjacent sidewalk, of northbound Baltimore Avenue will be closed on or about Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 25
Watch for shifting construction activity. See maps for details and pedestrian detour.
Campus Drive Lane Closure near the M - 9.22.25-9.26.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 22, the Purple Line contractor will close the right-hand lane of Campus Drive westbound, and the adjacent sidewalk, between Regents Drive and the M from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 5 days. Drivers will use the middle lane as the detour.
Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details and pedestrian detour.
Rossborough Lane – Periodic Lane Closures - 9.22.25-12.22.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 22, through the end of December 2025, the Purple Line contractor will conduct periodic lane closures on Rossborough Lane between Diamondback Drive to the Yale Avenue connector road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times.
Watch for shifting construction activity and signage. See map for details.
Campus Drive Lane Closures near the M - 9.15.25-9.19.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 15, the Purple Line contractor will close the eastbound lane, and adjacent sidewalk, of Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 3 days. Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in both directions.
On or about Thursday, September 18, the contractor will close the right-hand lane of Campus Drive westbound, and the adjacent sidewalk, from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 2 days. Drivers will use the middle lane as the detour.
Watch for shifting constructing activity. See maps for details and pedestrian detours.
Periodic Lane Closures - Core of Campus - 9.15.25-12.22.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 15, through the end of December 2025, the Purple Line contractor will conduct periodic lane closures on Campus Drive between Regents Drive (near Symons Hall) and Alumni Drive (in Lots 1/Z) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lane closures will be performed in segments, and traffic will be maintained in both directions.
These closures will not occur when major events are scheduled on campus. Watch for shifting construction activity and signage. See map for details.
Campus Drive Lane Closure with Flagging - 9.8.25-9.12.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 8, the Purple Line contractor will close the eastbound lane of Campus Drive between Regents Drive and the M from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 5 days. Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in both directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Campus Drive Lane Closure - 9.8.25-9.12.25
Starting on or about Monday, September 8, the Purple Line contractor will close the eastbound lane of Campus Drive between the Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center and Symons Hall from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., for approximately 5 days. Vehicles will use the median as a detour around the work area.
Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details.
Periodic Lane Closures – East of Campus Core - 9.2.25-10.31.25
Starting on or about Tuesday, September 2, through the end of October, the Purple Line contractor will conduct periodic lane closures on Campus Drive between Baltimore Avenue and River Road (near the WMATA Metrorail station) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in both directions. These closures will not occur when major events are scheduled on campus. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details
Periodic Lane Closures – West of Campus Core - 9.2.25-10.31.25
Starting on or about Tuesday, September 2, through the end of October, the Purple Line contractor will conduct periodic lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the following locations:
- Campus Drive between Presidential Drive and Adelphi Road (near UMGC)
- University Boulevard between Adelphi Road and Temple Street (near Graduate Hills Apartments)
- Adelphi Road between Tulane Drive and University Boulevard (near Graduate Hills Apartments and UMGC)
One lane of travel will remain open at all locations. These closures will not occur when major events are scheduled on campus. Watch for shifting construction activity. See map for details.
Lane & Sidewalk Closures on Rossborough Lane - 9.2.25-9.19.25
Starting on or about Tuesday, September 2, the Purple Line contractor will perform shifting lane and sidewalk closures on Rossborough Lane between Diamondback Drive and the Yale Avenue connector road from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., for approximately 3 weeks.
Flaggers will maintain traffic flow in both directions. Watch for shifting constructing activity. See map for details and pedestrian detours.