Watch CBS News

Judge Orders More Study On Ridership Impact Of Purple Line

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge dealt another blow to the proposed purple line light-rail project in D.C.'s Maryland suburbs.

The judge on Monday ordered more studies on the possible effect of declining subway ridership.

The judge's order puts construction of the 16-mile line on hold. Work has been delayed 7 months because of a federal suit filed by opponents of the line to connect Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

The Washington Post reports that Maryland officials have said they needed a favorable ruling by June 1, or they would have to suspend much of the rail project's planning and design work because state money would run out.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said in a statement that the ruling is disappointing and will cost Maryland hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.