Silver Spring seniors say Purple Line construction limits travel, causes falls
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Silver Spring seniors say Purple Line construction limits travel, causes falls
Residents of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, say they’re getting worn down by Purple Line construction. Light rail tracks and a lumpy sidewalk must be navigated every time they go to the nearby Safeway. Residents have twisted ankles and received other injuries. A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation says the agency is aware of the residents’ frustration and keeps the building regularly updated.. The new sidewalk in front of the Bonifant has been completed, but another on the side won’t be completed until the end of September.
They’re the Golden Girls (and guys) of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland — and they say they’re getting worn down by the Purple Line construction right outside their front door.
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Light rail tracks and a lumpy sidewalk must be navigated every time they go to the nearby Safeway, or any other amenity in the neighborhood.
“I have gotten stuck in the middle where I can’t move, and the cars are coming,” says Elaine Dobson. “It messes up my wheel. My right wheel, last week, was pulling to the right.
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Jan Brown says she has to lean her scooter like a motorcycle to cross the construction zone.
“I said, there’s a lot of seniors that live in this block, and you ought to care more,” she said.
Dr. Marsha Plater says she’s had three tires on her car blow out since the construction began.
“It’s been a couple months now,” Plater said. “My third tire, same front right tire, popped. When you drive over there, there’s a drop down.”
Falling is dangerous at any age, but especially so later in life. Residents at the Bonifant say it’s already happened to several of them.
Residents have twisted ankles and received other injuries.
“When I fell, I dislocated my shoulder,” said Iva Kittrell Rayfield. “And when it popped back in, it tore the rotator cuff.”
A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation told News4 the agency is aware of the Bonifant residents’ frustration, and the agency keeps the building regularly updated.
“A new walkway has been opened … allowing pedestrians to safely cross the newly installed tracks to access businesses on the west side.”
The statement continued.
“Barrier installation on the north side of the walkway was included to prevent the public from entering the construction zone.”
The new sidewalk in front of the Bonifant has been completed, but another on the side won’t be completed until the end of September.