Gaithersburg officials assess traffic impact of proposed car wash near Crown development

The Gaithersburg City Council convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss the proposed development of a car wash at a site on Fields Road, which has raised concerns regarding traffic and safety. The meeting focused on a traffic impact study conducted to evaluate the potential effects of the new business on local traffic patterns.

The discussion began with an analysis of the customer base and traffic flow, particularly from the north and south. Council members expressed concerns about existing traffic conditions, especially regarding left turns into the site from Fields Road. The traffic study indicated that the current left turn lane is 200 feet long and operates at a level of service B, with an average delay of 13 seconds. Projections suggest that this could increase to 19 or 20 seconds in the future, still within acceptable limits.

Council Member McNulty, who lives near the proposed site, voiced apprehensions about merging traffic from multiple directions, particularly with the anticipated increase in vehicle volume. Other council members echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for safety measures to reduce potential collision points, especially with the addition of young pedestrians from the nearby Crown High School.

The traffic study accounted for background traffic, including the expected increase from the high school, and utilized video observations to assess current conditions. Despite the study's findings, some council members expressed skepticism, citing personal experiences of congestion in the area.

The conversation also touched on the aesthetic implications of introducing an auto-centric business in a region that has been developing a more walkable environment. Council members debated the balance between accommodating vehicle traffic and maintaining pedestrian safety and accessibility.

In conclusion, while the traffic study provided some reassurance regarding the car wash's impact, significant concerns remain about safety and traffic management. The council plans to further explore design modifications that could enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians as they continue deliberations on the proposal.