County Advances Clarksville-River Hill Streetscape Improvements

Howard County is moving forward with plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections in the Clarksville–River Hill area. The Clarksville–River Hill Streetscape Improvements project would add a network of shared-use paths, sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes in Clarksville, helping connect businesses, neighborhoods and other destinations along the MD 108 corridor.

The improvements are part of a broader effort that includes streetscape projects associated with private development to create more connected and accessible routes along the corridor.

One proposal for MD 108 would add a two-way bike path separated from vehicle traffic by a physical barrier. Another option would create a raised path shared by pedestrians and bicyclists. The streetscape plans also include benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, trees and shrubs. Some of the space needed for these improvements could come from removing right-turn lanes along MD 108 and Ten Oaks Road.

The county is also designing an alternate bicycle route between MD 108 and I‑70. Changes made when MD 32 was widened eliminated bicycle access between the two roads, prompting the Maryland State Highway Administration to study alternative routes. The 2019 study identified a section of Ten Oaks Road between Brighton Dam Road and MD 108 as particularly challenging for bicyclists because they must share the roadway with vehicles.

As part of the alternate route, the county is proposing a raised shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists through Clarksville, along with bike lanes in both directions on Ten Oaks Road. The Ten Oaks Road section is referred to as Pinch Point 6, which Howard County is designing.

The county held a community information meeting at Claret Hall on Aug. 26 to present the latest designs and solicit public feedback. Design plans, maps, display boards and other materials from the meeting are available at the county’s Clarksville–River Hill Streetscape Improvements project webpage.

Although a survey to solicit public feedback was scheduled to close at the end of September, questions may be directed to Caitlin Kovel with DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410‑313‑6142 or ckovel@howardcountymd.gov.

The construction schedule for the project has not yet been determined. Timing will depend on land acquisition, permitting and the availability of funding.