Clarksburg Traffic Is Getting Worse—Here's One Solution the County Might Eliminate

Clarksburg’s traffic is already a daily frustration—and it’s only getting worse as the area continues to grow. One key solution, the long-planned M83 corridor, is now at risk of being permanently removed from the County’s transportation plans.

Jason George, Maria McClure

6/17/20253 min read

Act Now to Save the M83 Right-of-Way

The future of transportation in Clarksburg and the broader Upcounty area is at a critical crossroads. Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Planning Board submitted its recommendations for the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways—2025 Technical Update (MPOHT). One alarming proposal was the removal of the right-of-way for the northern portion of M83—a vital corridor originally planned to support our growing community.

The County Council is now reviewing the Planning Board’s draft. This is our last chance to urge them to preserve the M83 right-of-way. They have the authority to make changes before final approval, and we must make our voices heard.

Why M83 Still Matters

Clarksburg was planned with M83 in mind. While more recent policies assume M83 will not be built, many developments currently under construction were approved based on the assumption that M83 would exist to support them.
BRT cannot do it alone—especially on Route 355. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is often discussed as a solution. However, it still does not exist in Clarksburg. Because 355 in Clarksburg is a narrow two-lane road (one lane in each direction) and the lack of parking needed to access the BRT, there are significant challenges that still need to be address. In fact, transportation studies on the effectiveness nor the viability of the implementation BRT the along Route 355 have not even been completed. However, the M83 right-of-way may be necessary to support any realistic BRT implementation.
There are no other north-south alternatives. Without M83, Upcounty residents face worsening congestion, limited access to transit, and fewer options for commuting or shopping without relying on I-270.
Transit access is key. M83 would help connect Upcounty neighborhoods to mass transit like the Shady Grove Metro—something sorely needed as our population grows.
Retail and business growth are being stifled. Many Clarksburg residents find themselves traveling to Frederick County for retail, dining, and services—diverting economic activity away from Montgomery County. This lack of access also discourages new businesses from coming to Clarksburg—they can’t get here easily, and neither can their customers.
Clarksburg’s development is accelerating. In the net few years, our population will grow with the completion of Lithicum Farms, Ashford Woods, and Creekside at Cabin Branch. Continued growth will place even greater strain on already overstretched roads. M83 is not just about easing traffic today—it’s critical to supporting existing and future residents.

A Cautionary Tale: Lakeforest Mall

Many malls are struggling, but the closure of Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg is often partly attributed to the failure to build M83. It simply became more convenient for Clarksburg and Upcounty residents to head north to Frederick than to navigate traffic and backroads to reach Gaithersburg. Now, the residential redevelopment planned for the Lakeforest site will bring even more cars onto Route 355, making the need for regional transportation solutions like M83 even more urgent.

Unanswered Questions

What will happen to the right-of-way land? The County has not shared any long-term vision for how the land would be used if M83 is removed. Will it be sold? Turned into parkland? Left idle? Or will it be used for more residential development?
Why remove before studying? The Planning Board is recommending that a study of Upcounty transportation needs happen after the removal of M83. This is backwards. We need to preserve the corridor while those studies are underway.

What You Can Do

👉 Write to your Councilmembers today. Need a template for the email addresses and content? HERE.

👉 Sign-ups to Testify LIVE (in-person or via ZOOM) on July 8 (1:30-3:30pm). Deadline to sign up to speak is July 7, at 2:00pm.

👉 Submit a written Testimony. Under "Hearing Topics," list "Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT)- 2025 Technical Update"

👉 Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on what's happening and how you can advocate!

Feel free to use this blog post or these other materials that have been put together by local residents:

The decisions made now will shape the future of Clarksburg for generations. Let’s speak up while we still can.