RAIL: Federal appeals court allows D.C. Purple Line to continue

July 20, 2017

The court blocked a lower ruling that kept the Purple Line from moving forward

The Purple Line in Washington, D.C., is closer to getting back on track, after a significant ruling Wednesday by a federal appeals court.

A three-judge panel in the D.C. Circuit blocked a lower court’s ruling that effectively kept the Purple Line from moving forward. The emergency stay will remain in place until the appeals court can hear a full appeal.

The stay means that a district court’s decision over the last year which tossed out federal findings that the Maryland light rail line is worth building are no longer in effect. However, the appeals court declined to dismiss the lawsuit by neighbors opposed to the rail line.

The Purple Line is completely separate from the Metro system, but will have stops at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton where riders can transfer from one to the other.

The stay could allow Maryland to move forward with the project. After the district court  decision had blocked $900 million in federal funding for the rail line, the state had said the line may need to be canceled.

--------------

Source: WTOP (Washington, D.C.)

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...