**Maryland Route 850**
**Definition:**
Maryland Route 850 (MD 850) is a collection of unsigned state highway segments in Maryland, primarily serving as old alignments of Maryland Route 26 (Liberty Road) in Carroll County. These segments provide local access to communities bypassed by the modern MD 26.
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# Maryland Route 850
Maryland Route 850 (MD 850) is a series of short, unsigned state highway segments located in Carroll County, Maryland. These segments are remnants of the original alignment of Maryland Route 26 (Liberty Road) before it was realigned and modernized. MD 850 serves primarily as local access roads to small communities and rural areas that were bypassed by the newer, straighter, and wider MD 26. The route is not signed with standard highway markers and is known mainly to local residents and transportation officials.
## Route Description
MD 850 consists of multiple disconnected segments scattered along the corridor of the current MD 26 between Eldersburg and Mount Airy. These segments vary in length from a few hundred feet to over a mile and typically function as frontage roads or local connectors. The roadways are generally two-lane undivided roads with lower speed limits than the main MD 26, reflecting their role as local access routes rather than through highways.
The segments of MD 850 pass through a mix of residential neighborhoods, farmland, and small commercial areas. Because these segments are former alignments of MD 26, they often parallel the current highway closely, sometimes separated by only a few hundred feet. The roadways retain some older features such as narrower lanes, sharper curves, and older pavement surfaces, distinguishing them from the modern MD 26.
## History
The origins of MD 850 date back to the early 20th century when Maryland Route 26 was first constructed as a primary east-west route connecting Baltimore to Frederick. The original alignment of MD 26 followed a more winding path through the rural and small-town landscape of Carroll County. As traffic volumes increased and vehicle speeds rose, the Maryland State Highway Administration undertook a series of improvements to MD 26, including straightening curves, widening lanes, and bypassing small communities to improve safety and travel times.
During these improvement projects, sections of the original MD 26 alignment were bypassed and subsequently redesignated as MD 850. Rather than abandoning these old roadways, the state retained them as state-maintained routes to provide continued access to properties and local roads. Over time, additional realignments of MD 26 have created more segments of MD 850.
Because MD 850 is unsigned and consists of multiple disconnected segments, it is often overlooked in discussions of Maryland’s highway system. However, it remains an important part of the local road network in Carroll County, preserving the historical path of MD 26 and serving local traffic needs.
## Segments of Maryland Route 850
Maryland Route 850 is not a continuous highway but rather a collection of several distinct segments. These segments are typically identified by suffixes such as MD 850A, MD 850B, and so forth, although these designations are primarily used internally by the Maryland State Highway Administration.
### MD 850A
MD 850A is one of the longer segments, located near the community of Eldersburg. It runs parallel to MD 26 and provides access to residential areas and local businesses. The road retains some older characteristics of the original MD 26 alignment, including narrower lanes and older pavement.
### MD 850B
This segment is a short stretch near the town of Mount Airy. It serves as a local connector road and provides access to properties that would otherwise be cut off by the realignment of MD 26. MD 850B is typically less than a mile in length and is characterized by its rural surroundings.
### Other Segments
Additional segments of MD 850 exist between Eldersburg and Mount Airy, each serving similar functions as local access roads. These segments vary in length and condition but collectively preserve the historical route of MD 26.
## Maintenance and Signage
MD 850 is maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration despite being unsigned. The lack of signage is due to the route’s function as a local access road rather than a primary highway. Maintenance includes pavement repairs, snow removal, and other routine activities to ensure safe travel for local residents.
Because MD 850 is unsigned, it is not commonly referenced by motorists or in navigation systems. Instead, local residents typically refer to these roads by their local street names rather than the MD 850 designation.
## Importance and Role
While Maryland Route 850 does not serve as a major transportation corridor, it plays a vital role in the local road network of Carroll County. By preserving the old alignments of MD 26, MD 850 provides access to homes, farms, and businesses that would otherwise be isolated by the modern highway’s realignments.
Additionally, MD 850 serves as a historical reminder of the evolution of Maryland’s highway system. The segments illustrate how roadways have been improved and modernized over time to accommodate changing transportation needs.
## Future Developments
As of the latest available information, there are no major plans to alter or decommission the MD 850 segments. The Maryland State Highway Administration continues to maintain these roads as part of its commitment to local access and roadway safety.
Future improvements to MD 26 may result in additional realignments, potentially creating new segments of MD 850. However, any such changes would be carefully planned to balance the needs of through traffic with local access.
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## See Also
– Maryland Route 26 (Liberty Road)
– Maryland State Highway Administration
– Carroll County, Maryland transportation
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## References
– Maryland State Highway Administration documents and route logs
– Carroll County transportation planning materials
– Historical maps of Maryland highways
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**Meta Description:**
Maryland Route 850 is a series of unsigned state highway segments in Carroll County, Maryland, representing old alignments of Maryland Route 26. These roads provide local access and preserve the historical path of MD 26.