The Montgomery Planning s2025 Update to the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways was approved by the Montgomery County Council on July 29, 2025. Two laws (laws 24-22 and 34-22) that updated the roadway types listed in Chapter 49 of the County Code, generally known as the Road Code, to comply with the county’s Complete Streets Design Guide were approved by the County Council in 2022, necessitating the modification.
In May 2024, the Planning Board evaluated and approved the Complete Streets Design Guide version 1.2. Although an interim translation from the old functional classification system to the new entire streets classification system is provided by the amended County Code, different road segments in the county need modifications to these default translations. In April 2025, the Montgomery County Planning Board forwarded the Planning Board Draft to the County Executive and Council.
Recommendations about the unconstructed northern and southern portions of the Midcounty Highway Extended (M-83) are also included in the proposal.
“We are proud that this significant update was approved, as it supports a more forward-thinking, connected, and accessible transportation network in the county,” said Artie Harris, chair of the Planning Board. I want to express my gratitude to the staff for their thorough research and effective engagement, which made sure that this plan represented the goals and voices of our community.
Regarding the Highway and Transitway Master Plan:A thorough overview of Montgomery County’s major road and transitway infrastructure, both planned and current, may be found in the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways. It offers a roadmap for the county’s transportation investments. Despite the plan’s emphasis on highways and transitways, it contains clauses that affect all forms of transportation, such as determining the number of lanes allotted to general traffic, setting target speeds for specific roads, and protecting rights-of-way to make room for future transportation systems.
To make sure that transportation investments are being assessed and taken into consideration in accordance with current county policy, the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways needs to be updated technically on a countywide basis.
