Rockville Rejects Plan to Cut Redland Boulevard Vehicle Capacity by 50%
The City of Rockville has decided not to move forward with a proposal that would have reduced vehicle capacity by half on Redland Boulevard in the King Farm area.
The pilot program, conducted from September 21 through October 17, 2025, converted one travel lane in each direction between Gaither Road and Elmcroft Boulevard into full-time parking. Redland Boulevard is a key east-west corridor, carrying heavy traffic from Interstate 270 toward MD 355, the Shady Grove Metro station, and nearby commercial zones.
City data showed average vehicle speeds dropped during the test period. Speed camera citations also fell by 98 percent. However, the reduction in lane capacity led to noticeable congestion, especially eastbound during afternoon rush hour. With peak traffic backing up and strong public feedback opposing the change, officials concluded the plan would create more problems than it solved.
Some residents have suggested alternative traffic calming measures such as additional side parking or speed bumps, while others pointed to similar lane reductions in neighboring areas. For now, the city says maintaining full vehicle capacity on Redland Boulevard best balances safety and mobility.
The decision reflects ongoing debate across Montgomery County over how to manage growth, traffic flow, and roadway safety without overwhelming daily commuters.
