Significant eastbound traffic congestion during peak afternoon hours has led the City of Rockville to rule out permanent parking lanes on Redland Boulevard, following a fall 2025 demonstration project aimed at improving safety and reducing speeding.
The demonstration project ran from Sept. 21 through Oct. 17 and temporarily converted one travel lane in each direction between Gaither Road and Elmcroft Boulevard into full-time parking lanes. The effort was designed to test traffic calming measures and improve safety along the corridor.
While the project succeeded in lowering vehicle speeds, city officials determined that the resulting congestion in the eastbound direction during the afternoon peak period was too significant to support permanent implementation.
Data collected during the six-week demonstration showed an overall reduction in speeding, including a 98% drop in speed camera citations compared with the 2025 monthly average. Approximately 85% of drivers traveled at or below the posted speed limit during the test period. The city reported no significant changes in overall traffic volume or crash rates.
However, the project also revealed low use of the newly created on-street parking spaces. While westbound traffic and off-peak travel periods were largely unaffected, most public feedback opposed making the lane repurposing permanent.
Although Rockville will not move forward with permanent parking lanes on Redland Boulevard, the city said it will continue evaluating other safety improvements. Potential next steps include studying a curb extension at Elmcroft Boulevard in the eastbound direction, exploring additional pedestrian safety treatments at other intersections, and working with the Rockville City Police Department to assess further options for reducing speeds along the corridor.
