By Allison Seidel
As the spring semester continues, the construction on campus at the University of Maryland is ramping up.
The Purple Line construction has created several route changes for both walkers and drivers on campus. The Purple Line project is a new train line that is expected to be completed and ready by Fall 2026 and will serve commuters in Prince George’s County.
Although the new train line will create efficient ways for students and visitors to reach campus, the construction seems to be a topic of frequent conversation among the campus community.
The work is lining Campus Drive, which runs up past the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center and Adele H. Stamp Student Union. UMD students and faculty notice the disruption, as it is affecting their everyday commute to class.
Trinity Weaver, a sophomore, explained that the construction has caused her to be late for extra curricular activities after class hours. Weaver explained that the “ever-changing pattern of traffic” has caused confusion and tardiness as she drives through campus.
“I’ve been late to my chapter one too many times because I don’t know what roads are open and what roads are closed,” Weaver said.
Weaver mentioned how campus tours are being affected by the fencing that has been put up as a result of the construction. Prospective students who tour the campus this spring are experiencing the disruptions that they could see next year as well.
“This is what they see when they see Maryland,” Weaver said.
Frank Chioccariello, a sophomore, explained his perspective on the construction on campus. Chioccariello often takes the bus from the University View apartment complex and said that the construction causes the bus to get to campus later sometimes.
“If I’m on the shuttle, it makes the shuttle longer,” Chioccariello said. “[The university ]can do a better job of notifying students when certain routes are blocked off.”
Chioccariello said that sometimes when he is walking to class, there are everyday routes that he can’t take, without any notice.
The university responded to an inquiry about the construction and explained that they understand that this is a disruption for the community.
“We continue to work closely with the Purple Line construction team in an effort to minimize the impact of construction on our community,” they said.
Although they understand that this is an inconvenience, the university also explained how the Purple Line will benefit students in the future.
“Offering the UMD community easy access to the surrounding region like never before, the Purple Line will link our community to Metro, Amtrak, MARC and neighboring counties, improving commutes, opening up new opportunities for internships, and giving easier access to nearby amenities.”
Featured Image: Construction overtaking the entire width of Campus Drive in College Park, Maryland on March 16, 2023. Photo by Minnie Stephenson.