The project is currently awaiting approval by the state’s Board of Public Works (BPW) on 6 November, however, assuming a positive outcome, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) intends to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) shortly after.
MDOT also told PPP Bulletin that it envisages announcing a shortlist of bidders for the deal before the turn of the year.
Following this, the Maryland Transit Authority will then recommend the final agreement to the BPW by early 2015. Construction could begin in the spring of that year.
Despite the decision now resting with the BPW, MDOT is confident that the much-anticipated P3 will come to market successfully.
"It is our responsibility to ensure they fully explain to all board members why the Purple Line is a great candidate for delivery as a P3. If they are successful in doing that, we are optimistic BPW members will approve the P3 plan and competitive method for selecting a private partner," a spokesperson revealed.