The purpose of the planning study is to determine the best means of providing additional capacity and improved traffic operations within the study corridor, while supporting existing and planned development.

The project study area is located southwest of the City of Frederick in Frederick County. The project extends along MD 180/MD 351 from Greenfield Drive on MD 180 to Corporate Drive on MD 351, a distance of approximately 2.7 miles. Portions of the project are within the City limits.

• Preparing the project's Purpose and Need document, which consisted of an examination of current and future traffic volumes, safety and proposed development in the corridor.
• Developing an extensive socioeconomic and natural environmental inventory and assessing potential impacts from the project.
• Developing an avoidance alternative to prevent impacts to a historic property from the original design.
• Producing various environmental technical reports documenting the potential environmental effects from the proposed road project.