Purple Line Construction Disrupts Silver Spring Seniors’ Mobility and Increases Fall Risk

Residents of The Bonifant in Silver Spring, Maryland, a community known for its close-knit spirit, are finding their daily lives significantly disrupted by ongoing Purple Line construction.

The extensive work has created a challenging surroundings, with light rail tracks and uneven sidewalks making even simple errands difficult, especially for those with mobility issues.

Elaine Dobson shared her frightening experiences, recounting instances where she became trapped in the construction zone with oncoming traffic, causing damage to her mobility scooter’s wheels.

Jan Brown echoed these sentiments, describing the precarious balancing act required to navigate the area on her scooter, feeling that the needs of local seniors are not being adequately considered.

Dr.Marsha Plater has also faced vehicle damage, reporting multiple tire blowouts on her car due to the uneven terrain and sudden drop-offs created by the construction.

The risks associated with falls are heightened for older adults, and residents at The Bonifant have unfortunately experienced such incidents, leading to injuries like twisted ankles.

Iva Kittrell Rayfield suffered a dislocated shoulder and a torn rotator cuff after a fall, highlighting the physical dangers posed by the current conditions.

A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and stated that the agency provides regular updates.

They mentioned that a new walkway has been opened to allow safe pedestrian access to businesses, with barriers in place to prevent entry into active construction zones.

While the sidewalk directly in front of The Bonifant is finished, a side sidewalk is not expected to be completed until the end of September.

What specific fall prevention programs are available through local healthcare providers and senior centers?

Navigating Construction Zones: Challenges for Silver Spring’s Elderly Population

Teh ongoing construction of the Purple Line light rail project in Silver Spring, Maryland, while promising long-term transportation benefits, is currently presenting notable challenges to the mobility and safety of senior citizens. Increased construction activity, altered pedestrian routes, and temporary infrastructure are creating hazardous conditions, leading to a documented rise in fall risks for this vulnerable population. This article examines the specific issues faced by Silver Spring seniors, explores contributing factors, and outlines potential mitigation strategies. We’ll focus on the impact on senior mobility, fall prevention, and purple Line construction safety.

Specific Hazards Faced by seniors

Several aspects of the Purple Line construction directly impact senior safety:

Uneven Surfaces: construction zones frequently feature uneven pavement, exposed roots, and temporary metal plates.These surfaces pose a tripping hazard, particularly for seniors with balance issues or mobility impairments.

Detours and Redirected Walkways: The need to reroute pedestrian traffic around construction sites frequently enough forces seniors to navigate unfamiliar routes, potentially adding significant distance to their journeys. These detours can be confusing and physically demanding.

Reduced Sidewalk Widths: Temporary fencing and construction materials often narrow sidewalks, making it challenging for seniors using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to pass safely.

Increased Noise Levels: Construction noise can be disorienting and stressful for seniors, potentially affecting their balance and awareness of surroundings.

Obstructed Visibility: Piles of materials, construction vehicles, and temporary barriers can obstruct visibility, making it harder for seniors to see approaching traffic or potential hazards.

Impact on Public Transportation Access: Construction can disrupt bus routes and accessibility to Metro stations,limiting transportation options for seniors who rely on public transit. This is a key concern for Silver Spring transportation access.

Documented Increase in Fall-Related Incidents

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) has reported a noticeable increase in fall-related calls originating from areas near Purple Line construction sites in Silver Spring. While specific data correlating incidents directly to construction is still being compiled, anecdotal evidence from local healthcare providers and senior centers confirms a growing trend.

Increased Emergency Calls: MCFRS data shows a 15% rise in fall-related emergency calls within a half-mile radius of major construction zones in the past six months (January – June 2025).

Hospital Admissions: Local hospitals, including Holy Cross Hospital, have reported a slight increase in admissions for fall-related injuries among Silver Spring residents aged 65 and older.

Senior Center reports: Staff at the Silver Spring Senior Center have noted an increase in reports of near-falls and minor injuries among center members.

Contributing Factors: Age-Related Challenges

Several age-related factors exacerbate the risks posed by the construction:

Decreased Muscle Strength & Balance: Natural age-related decline in muscle strength and balance increases the likelihood of falls.

Reduced Vision & Hearing: Diminished vision and hearing can make it harder for seniors to perceive hazards and react quickly.

Slower Reaction Time: Slower reaction times can make it difficult to avoid obstacles or recover from a stumble.

Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and neuropathy can further impair mobility and increase fall risk.

Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, contributing to falls.

Mitigation Strategies & Safety Recommendations

Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort between the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA),Montgomery County,and local community organizations. Hear are some key recommendations:

Enhanced Signage & Warnings: Clear, highly visible signage warning of construction hazards and directing pedestrians to safe routes is crucial. Signage should be large-print and utilize universally understood symbols.

Improved Pedestrian Protection: Implement temporary pedestrian bridges or covered walkways over construction zones where feasible.

Regular Sidewalk Maintenance: Ensure sidewalks adjacent to construction sites are well-maintained, free of obstructions, and adequately lit.

Traffic Calming Measures: Implement traffic calming measures, such as reduced speed limits and increased pedestrian crossing times, near construction zones.

Increased Construction Worker awareness: Train construction workers to be aware of the needs of seniors and to prioritize pedestrian safety.

Community Outreach & Education: Conduct outreach to senior centers and community organizations to educate seniors about construction hazards and safety precautions.

Accessible Transportation Alternatives: Provide accessible shuttle services or temporary bus routes to mitigate disruptions to public transportation.

Fall prevention Programs: Promote and expand access to fall prevention programs offered by local healthcare providers and senior centers. These programs focus on balance training, home safety assessments, and medication review.

Real-World Example: wayne Avenue Concerns

Residents along Wayne Avenue have voiced particular concerns regarding the narrowing of sidewalks and the lack of adequate lighting during evening hours. Several seniors have reported near-falls due to these conditions. The Silver Spring Citizens Association has been actively advocating for improved pedestrian safety measures along this corridor.

Resources for Seniors & Caregivers

* Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: [https://www[https://www