WASHINGTON – The long-delayed Silver Spring Transit Center is expected to open Sept. 20 after Montgomery County formally asked Metro to take over the facility.
Metro said in a statement that it doesn’t expect any issues to delay accepting the facility into its system. Montgomery County was responsible for construction, which was found to have significant issues.
David Dise, director of the county’s department of general services, said Metro and the jurisdiction could still recoup funds from the contractors who built the project.
“We’ve been working steadily for the last year and a half to make the remediation and repairs necessary to ensure to the public that this is a safe, secure and durable facility,” Dise said. “Had we responded to the rush to open two years ago, the work performed would not have taken place, and we could not make that guarantee.”
Dise said Metro dropped its request for a long-term maintenance bond from the county after a series of meetings, and that the repairs make the structure safe and lasting.
Along with repairs to address concerns about cracking concrete and other issues, Dise said the extra time has allowed increased accessibility features and new digital displays. The displays can help riders find the bus they’re looking for, or know how long it is until the next one arrives.
The transit center, officially named for Paul S. Sarbanes, connects to the Silver Spring Metro and MARC stations.
