6 plans considered for Route 3 corridor

Maryland officials are considering six possible designs for upgrading busy Route 3 in western Anne Arundel and northeastern Prince George's counties - a road where traffic is expected to increase 70 percent by 2025.

The proposals:

Boulevard alternative: Includes three through lanes in each direction and auxiliary lanes or shoulders. An overpass would connect Route 450.

Main-line improvements: Addition of a third through lane northbound from St. Stephens Church Road to Route 32 and southbound from Route 450 to U.S. 50. Separate traffic on Routes 3 and 450. Overpass at Crawford Boulevard.

Modified boulevard: Overpasses at Davidsonville and Waugh Chapel roads.

Additional interchange option: Signaled intersections to separate main line Route 450 from main line Route 3. Would provide free flow between Routes 3 and 450.

Minor construction: This option includes improving intersections and adding auxiliary lanes. Car pooling and other ways of reducing traffic would be encouraged.

No major improvements, but minor short-term improvements.