Silver Spring seniors say Purple Line development limits journey, causes falls – NBC4 Washington

Residents of the Bonifant could maintain aggressive bingo and pokeno video games, however on the finish of the day, they be careful for one another.

They’re the Golden Girls (and guys) of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland — they usually say they’re getting worn down by the Purple Line development proper outdoors their entrance door.

Light rail tracks and a lumpy sidewalk should be navigated each time they go to the close by Safeway, or some other amenity within 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 proper wheel, final week, was pulling to the precise.

Jan Brown says she has to lean her scooter like a motorbike to cross the development zone.

“I said, there’s a lot of seniors that live in this block, and you ought to care more,” she stated.

Dr. Marsha Plater says she’s had three tires on her automotive blow out because the development started.

“It’s been a couple months now,” Plater stated. “My third tire, same front right tire, popped. When you drive over there, there’s a drop down.”

Falling is harmful at any age, however particularly so later in life. Residents on the Bonifant say it is already occurred to a number of of them.

Residents have twisted ankles and acquired different accidents.

“When I fell, I dislocated my shoulder,” stated Iva Kittrell Rayfield. “And when it popped back in, it tore the rotator cuff.”

A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation instructed News4 the company is conscious of the Bonifant residents’ frustration, and the company retains the constructing commonly up to date.

“A new walkway has been opened … allowing pedestrians to safely cross the newly installed tracks to access businesses on the west side.”

The assertion 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 entrance of the Bonifant has been accomplished, however one other on the aspect will not be accomplished till the top of September.