Traffic Concerns Raised Over Home Depot Access Road at Oak Crest Boulevard

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on traffic concerns and development plans for a new commercial project near Route 235. Key discussions centered on the expected traffic impact of the proposed development, which includes access roads to major retailers like Home Depot, Chipotle, and Royal Farms.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the adequacy of traffic mitigation measures. One commissioner questioned the assumption that the new development would lead to a reduction in traffic, arguing that flex buildings could generate significant vehicle trips similar to those of a business park. Traffic expert Jackie Plott clarified that while the new project would indeed generate fewer new vehicle trips compared to the previously planned business park, it would still result in an increase of approximately 65 trips during peak evening hours when accounting for pass-by traffic.

The discussion also highlighted the long-awaited construction of an additional lane from Route 4 to the site, which has been designed and approved but not yet built. Plott assured attendees that the lane is bonded and will be constructed as part of the overall development plan, although its timeline remains uncertain.

Concerns were expressed about the safety of the intersection at Oak Crest Boulevard, particularly regarding left-hand turns during peak traffic times. While the traffic study indicated that the intersection operates at acceptable levels, suggestions for additional safety measures, such as signage and potential roundabouts, were discussed but deemed unnecessary based on current traffic volumes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the planning commission to continue monitoring traffic patterns and to ensure that necessary improvements are made as the project progresses. The overall sentiment was one of cautious optimism, with stakeholders acknowledging the importance of balancing development with community safety and traffic management.