MD 3 continues north along Crain Highway into Crofton, passing between woodland to the west and residential subdivisions to the east.

At this point, the route turns to the northeast and the median widens to include businesses in the center.

The median widens again and the route narrows to four lanes at the St. Stephen's Church Road intersection, passing through a mix of fields, woods, and businesses.

The road comes to an intersection with the eastern terminus of MD 175 in Millersville before it heads northeast through woodland.

The roadway of MD 3, however, continues for a minor distance longer, the southbound carriageway turning and crossing underneath I-97 to join with the northbound on the east side of the Interstate, and continuing north as Veterans Highway, running parallel to I-97 and providing access to MD 178.

begins on two-lane undivided New Cut Road at an arbitrary point just south of Grover Road in Severn, heading north-northeast through a mix of fields and residential neighborhoods and passing east of Archbishop Spalding High School.

From here, the route widens to six lanes and continues through a largely commercial and residential area in Glen Burnie, curving to the north.

The road passes under the MD 100 freeway without an interchange before narrowing to four lanes at the Oak Manor Drive intersection immediately after.

continues north through suburban areas, with the median transitioning to a center left-turn lane at the Madison Park Drive intersection.

The road continues through residential and commercial areas, gaining a center turn lane again.

The route intersects the northern terminus of MD 270 before it makes a slight curve to the north.

continues north for a short distance before it reaches its northern terminus at an intersection with MD 2.

Junction list The entire route is in Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County.