MD 500 connects Washington with the Prince George's County cities of Mount Rainier and Hyattsville.

Queens Chapel Road was originally constructed as MD 210 from Washington to Hyattsville in the 1910s.

MD 500 then crosses the Northwest Branch Anacostia River and, veering northeast, enters the city of Hyattsville.

Here, Ager Road splits to the north and can be taken to the West Hyattsville station on the Washington Metro's Green Line.

[6] The segment of Queens Chapel Road from Hamilton Street to US 1 in University Park was paved in concrete between 1930 and 1933.

[13][14] In 1951 and 1952, MD 500, from the Northwest Branch to the District of Columbia, was expanded to a divided 4-lane roadway.

[15] In addition, the remainder of MD 500 from Hamilton Street to US 1 was widened (though not divided) and resurfaced.

[2][18] In August 1988, preceding the construction of the Washington Metro Green Line underneath University Park, the Maryland State Highway Administration transferred to the town maintenance of Queens Chapel Road from MD 410 to US 1.

[19][21] Today, a cul-de-sac exists at the southwest end of town adjacent to the MD 500–MD 410 intersection.

At the northeast end of the town, the intersection with US 1 only allows local traffic to exit to Queens Chapel Road.