M-83 Highway Fight Reignites: Equity, Environment, and the Future of Upcounty Mobility

July 22, 2025 – By Javier Rivas

Ongoing M-83 Highway Debate Divides MoCo Residents

For over 60 years, the Midcounty Highway Extended (M-83) has been an issue for the planning of maps in Montgomery County. The proposed 8.7-mile highway envisioned to connect Clarksburg with Gaithersburg, running parallel to Route 355, has stayed on the county’s Master Plan of highways since the 1960’s, although still, not a single cent has been allocated toward its construction. 

The continuing debates highlight a fundamental dilemma for local governments: balancing the needs for economic development and traffic relief against concerns of environmental preservation and community integrity.

Supporters speak out in favor of the M-83

Supporters, most notably the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC), argue that the M-83 is indispensable for the county’s economic vitality as well as mobility. The GGCC very strongly opposes removing the M-83 from the master plan, asserting that it is “a key element of the county’s planned transportation network”. They argue that it provides “direct connection, in Clarksburg, from Snowden Farm Parkway to Shady Grove Metro and ICC – the only viable option to improve mobility and access to jobs”, they also believe the M-83 will “reduce congestion on I-270 between Montgomery Village Avenue and Ridge Road”. 

A significant part of the supporters’ argument focuses on historical equity and previously made promises. The GGCC states that M-83 was the “basis for the density that was approved and constructed” in Upcounty areas like Damascus, Clarksburg, Germantown, and Montgomery Village. They argue that “decades of delay in building M-83 have resulted in lack of mobility, lack of employment growth, and lower property values.” This perspective frames M-83 as not only a traffic solution, but a solution to economic issues and unkept promises. Supporters notably highlight that Clarksburg residents, now over 46,000 with a road network designed to work with 6,000, were “promised M-83 and there is no ‘plan B’ that meets their needs,” leading to congestion on I-270 because of the lack of alternatives. 

Supporters also directly challenge the viability of proposed transit alternatives. The GGCC asserts that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is “not an alternative to M-83”

Recent Clarksburg Community Meeting

The conversation around the M-83 isn’t typically balanced at public meetings, and the location seems to play an important role. When a meeting on M-83 was held directly in Clarksburg and attended by Moderately MOCO, most speakers were in favor of the M83. Interestingly, for residents from these more northern parts of the county, the very issue M-83 aims to solve, poor road connectivity. Slow and hard to navigate roads make it hard for people to participate in meetings located further south in Rockville. One audience member even stated “If we had M83 it would be easier for us to get to the meeting at 6:30”. 

Conversely, meetings held in Rockville tend to have a very different demographic of attendees. Commenters frequently include representatives from environmental and transit advocacy groups, such as Transit Alternatives to Mid-County Highway Extended (TAME). 

Community voices against the M-83

Opponents of the M-83 primarily speak out about the irreversible environmental damage the highway could cause. Several residents express concern for the forest around the Seneca Creek Watershed. Jean Brown from Dayspring Church in Germantown stated, “If M-83 were allowed to proceed, the building would wipe out the massive internal forest”. Brian Higgins, a caretaker at Dayspring further expressed concerns, noting that M-83 would “destroy all growth forest along the corridor of the property, create an increase in noise, release compounds that trigger asthma and would contribute to the urban heat islands”.

Opponents also raise practical concerns. Mike Conroy of the Montgomery Village Foundation warned that “M-83 would split Montgomery Village neighborhoods, displacing residents and businesses, encroach on residential and school property lines, destroy important wildlife habitats and ecosystems and further exacerbate vehicular and pedestrian safety issues at vital entry points”. From a traffic perspective, Benjamin Ross argued that “New highways don’t fix congestion,” advocating instead for “new and more frequent buses” as a more effective solution. Advocacy groups like TAME are actively campaigning for the complete removal of the M-83 from county plans. 

The argument is not clear-cut 

While the debate is often framed as a clear-cut decision between preserving the environment and improving traffic. For instance, when the Planning Board voted in April to remove the M-83, the only no vote came from a former Parks Department deputy director, Mitra Pedoeem. “The assumption that the reserved right-of-way will stay green space if M-83 is removed has no guarantee. We could very well see that land sold off for development — with no infrastructure improvements to support it” said Beth Wolff, the lead pastor at Clarksburg Church. She also added that “thousands of cars idle every day on I-270 and MD-355. Is that really better for air quality and climate?”

Finally, the context of these transportation recommendations matters deeply for Upcounty communities. While the Planning Board recommends to remove M-83, the Gateway Sector Plan also proposes eliminating Exit 17, Clarksburg main access to the I-270. The loss of both a long-awaited highway and a major interstate exchange is a huge concern for residents. This vital piece of the story is crucial to understanding the full picture.

The County Awaits a Decision

Recently, the board voted in April to remove the northern portion of the planned M-83, stretching between Clarksburg and Montgomery Village. Planning Board Chair Artie Harris confirmed this decision during a public hearing and despite the decades-long debate and presence of the M-83 in the master plan, funds have “never been allocated for the extension.” The estimated cost of the M-83 is a substantial $1.3 billion. The ultimate fate of the M-83 extension now rests with the County Council, with its review scheduled to be conducted by members of the County’s Transportation and Environment Committee

The County Council’s final decision on the removal of the M-83 will be more than the fate of a single highway. If M-83 stays in the plans, it would enforce a commitment to a historical, car-centric growth model. The recent decision to remove a portion of the M-83 is a major setback for supporters but the partial inclusion of M-83 in the plan means it could still be pursued in the future. This leaves the door open for continued debate and advocacy from both sides.

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