Purple Line Safety

• Use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing
• Obey walk signals 
• Use caution when crossing the tracks
• Wheelchair users should cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle; crossing tracks at a lower angle can result in wheels becoming stuck in the rail gap

Campus Drive, in the core of campus, contains light-rail tracks embedded in the roadway. We urge caution for cyclists, e-scooter riders and wheelchair users when traveling near the tracks due to gaps in the rails.

• Micromobility vehicles should use the designated bike paths and wheelchair users should use sidewalks. A permanent bike path runs along the south side of Campus Drive between Alumni Drive (near Knight Hall) and Turner Hall (see map).
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the bike path.
• Cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle. Crossing tracks at a lower angle can result in wheels becoming stuck in the rail gap.
• Always use caution when traveling near tracks. Avoid the rails when riding parallel to the tracks or your wheels can become stuck in the rail gap.

As part of the Purple Line light-rail project, the first of three new permanent traffic signals on campus is operational at the intersection of Campus Drive and Regents Drive near the “M.” The new traffic signals are necessary for the safe operation of the newly configured intersections and to accommodate the future light-rail vehicle traffic.

Two additional signals will be operational at a future date at the intersection of Union Drive and Alumni Drive (in Lots 1 and Z) and at the newly created intersection of Campus Drive and Rossborough Lane east of Baltimore Avenue (near the Leonardtown Community). This map shows the locations of the new signals.

It is important for pedestrians, vehicles and micromobility riders to follow traffic laws and use safe practices at these intersections:

• Pedestrians:
  • Obey walk signals
  • Use caution when crossing the tracks
  • Wheelchair users should cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle; crossing tracks at a lower angle can result in wheels becoming stuck in the rail gap
• Vehicles:
  • No turn on red
  • Abide by the 15 mph campus speed limit
• Micromobility Riders:
  • Follow traffic signals as vehicles do, including no turn on red
  • Cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle; avoid the rails when riding parallel to the track, or wheels can become stuck in the rail gap
  • Use the designated bike paths where available
  • Yield to pedestrians when using bike paths

The high-voltage overhead wires installed along the Purple Line alignment power the light-rail vehicles. These lines should be treated with the same caution as any overhead power line: 

• The wires are completely safe for anyone at ground level
• Never get near them with any tall object, such as a ladder
• Never throw anything on the lines
• Call 911 to report downed lines

Light-rail vehicle testing on the UMD campus began in March 2026. Click here to see footage of this exciting milestone.

Testing will be conducted overnight on select days from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day, throughout the fall 2026 semester. In this phase of testing, construction vehicles and police will escort the light-rail vehicles (LRV) and close nearby cross streets and sidewalks for brief periods, as the LRVs move slowly through campus. 

Visit the UMD Purple Line construction notices webpage for the most up-to-date information on testing dates. 

As always, please use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.

Please visit the UMD Purple Line Work Safety Requirements webpage.

• Use caution near the overhead catenary wires
• Avoid activities within 6’ of the tracks (some activities within 6’ will require special approval)
• No standing or parking on the tracks (deliveries, buses, etc.)
• Lane and road closures require advance approval 

For questions or support with the approval process, contact UMD's Purple Line project management team at purpleline@umd.edu.