The I-270 Corridor Planning Area
Nearly 40 years ago, Montgomery County's General Plan created the concept of "Wedges and Corridors," an enduring regional land use plan that envisioned growth corridors radiating out from Washington, D.C. like spokes of a wheel that were separated by green wedges of open space, farmland, and lower density residential uses. The Corridors provide opportunities for compact, transit-serviceable growth while the Wedges provide respite, recreation, and protection of natural resources. This pattern has and will continue to shape the County's development by channeling growth in an Urban Ring around Washington D.C. and in the I-270 Corridor.
Today, the I-270 Corridor is a significant employment and housing resource strategically located in the center of Montgomery County. The Corridor has experienced phenomenal growth in its life sciences and high-tech industries. The area is served by a variety of transportation services, including Metrorail, commuter rail, expanded I-270 capacity, and numerous major highways. The Corridor Cities, including the incorporated cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg as well as Shady Grove, Germantown, and Clarksburg, are linked with one another and with Washington via the Metrorail red line.
The Planning Department is undertaking a series of master plans focusing on the I-270 Corridor. In addition to the Germantown and Gaithersburg West updates, staff recently completed the Shady Grove Sector Plan update, which focuses on land uses around the Shady Grove Metro station. Master plan updates for Twinbrook and White Flint are also underway, and the MD 355/I-270 Technology Corridor Project provides context and continuity between the master plan areas. The I-270 plans will address the growth potential for biotech and high-tech industries, the creation of livable communities, the expansion of recreation and open space, and improvements to all modes of the transportation system. Undertaking the I-270 Corridor plans at the same time will allow close coordination of information, issues, and options.
Communities in the Planning Area
The I-270 Corridor Planning Area is generally bounded by the City of Rockville in the south; Clarksburg in the north; Rock Creek Park, Redland Road, MD124 and Woodfield Road on the east; Seneca Creek State Park and MD28 on the west.
Please check the individual Master Plans for specific dates relating to the I-270 Corridor Plan Area study.
Municipalities in the Planning Area
Master Plans
- Shady Grove Sector Plan (2006)
- Clarksburg Master Plan and Hyattstown Special Study Area (1994)
- Shady Grove Study Area Master Plan (1990)
- Germantown Master Plan (1989)
- Gaithersburg Vicinity Master Plan (1985) Amended 1988 & 1990
- Shady Grove Transit Station Area Sector Plan (1977)
Amendments to Master Plans and Related Reports
- MD 355/I-270 Technology Corridor Project
- Shady Grove Amendment to the Gaithersburg Vicinity Master Plan (1996)
- Removal of Proposed MD 117 (Clopper Road) and Great Seneca Highway Interchange (1996)
- Muncaster Road and Muncaster Mill Road Highway Classification and Alignment - Amendment (1995)
- Germantown Town Center Design Study - Guidance for the Implementation of Future Development of the Town Center (1992)
- Oakmont Special Study Plan (1982)
M-NCPPC Staff Contact
Sue Edwards, Team Leader
301-495-4518
Sue.Edwards@mncppc-mc.org
Montgomery County Planning Department