Planning staff: target speeds and Complete Streets tools proposed for nearly half of county streets

Planning staff told the Transportation & Environment Committee the technical update is intended to implement the Complete Streets design philosophy adopted into county law in 2023 and to align street classifications with land-use context.

Sofia Aldrich, project manager for the update, said the update adds target-speed recommendations to streets that previously lacked them and described target speeds as long-term goals that "guide future street improvements to help reduce the posted speed to get closer to the target." Aldrich emphasized that target speeds do not change posted speed limits; Montgomery County DOT and the State Highway Administration retain authority to set posted limits.

Staff reported that adding target speeds covered 47% of street segments, representing 56% of county street mileage, and said the change will affect street design expectations countywide. The staff also introduced a Growth Corridor Boulevard street type for corridors envisioned in Thrive Montgomery 2050; the tool is intended for future master plans and does not reclassify specific streets immediately.

Staff also noted outreach findings, including public concerns about speed changes on local streets. Council staff and MCDOT representatives agreed to continue coordination before full council adoption to confirm practical implications of reclassifying parkways and applying target-speed tools.