Frederick County accepts Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study as foundation for future planning

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to accept the Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study and directed staff to use it as a foundation for future planning and grant applications.

County staff presented the study, which re-evaluates previously envisioned limited‑access configurations for Route 37 and recommends a phased, lower‑cost approach that focuses on the most-needed segments and interim facility types. The study recommends protecting corridor capacity through access management, constructing select two‑lane sections that can be expanded later, building a four‑lane connection from Warrior Drive to an existing portion of Route 37, adding a center turn lane on segments of Senseny Road closer to the city, and advancing modest improvements on Bridal Airport Road as an alternative to a full Route 37 link to Route 50.

"We set out to examine which parts were the most important, evaluate alternatives to get us toward more buildable segments and reestablish the purpose and needs," said Mr. Bishop, a county staff member who presented the study. He characterized the work as "phase 1" and said an additional layer of study will be required to meet VDOT Smart Scale requirements if the board wants projects prioritized for state funding.

Supervisor Dunn, who spoke in support of the report, said the plan will help relieve traffic in growing neighborhoods such as Redbud and endorsed moving forward with targeted elements. "I think you've done a good job and I'm highly supportive of it," Dunn said.

Board members discussed whether to fold study recommendations into the county comprehensive plan or consider them separately to avoid making the comprehensive‑plan update primarily about Route 37. The board also considered sending details to the county Transportation Committee for additional review. The board accepted the study by voice vote and directed staff to coordinate next steps, including grant pursuit and consideration for comp‑plan incorporation.

The study draws on updated traffic modeling (through 2050) and public engagement; staff highlighted that earlier 2001 traffic projections have not been realized and that the study looks for more attainable, staged solutions. Presenters said the study included public surveys that showed strong support for bicycle/pedestrian items and safety improvements, and that it coordinated with ongoing regional analyses.

Next steps identified by staff include additional technical work to prepare Smart Scale applications, further engagement with the Transportation Committee and the Planning Commission, and inclusion of recommended segments in future capital and grant planning.

The board vote: motion to accept the study as a foundation for moving forward — approved unanimously.