Leesburg Traffic Commission Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Leesburg Traffic Commission met on March 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM (moved from 7:00 PM) to discuss pedestrian safety, crosswalk improvements, speed enforcement, budget allocations, and a potential joint campaign with the Diversity Commission. Key topics included flag crossing proposals, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and a traffic manual rewrite. The meeting included an observation from a town council candidate and a public comment from a resident regarding the Catoctin Circle crosswalk.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brendan Murphy, Leesburg resident: Raised safety concerns about the crosswalk on Catoctin Circle Southwest near the post office, citing poor visibility, high speeds, and a five-lane road. He requested interim safety measures while a planned signalized intersection (proffered by the Virginia Village development) is built. Commissioners noted the known issue and long-term solution but questioned the feasibility of interim measures.
• Town council candidate (observer): Attended to learn commission procedures; noted a resident’s concern about the same crosswalk and expressed support for safety improvements.

Discussion Items

• Diversity Commission Invitation & Flag Crossings: Chair reported that three commissioners attended a Diversity Commission meeting on pedestrian safety but felt ambushed by aggressive advocacy for flag-crossing programs (flags for pedestrians to wave when crossing). They found mixed research on effectiveness (e.g., Seattle dropped the program after three years). Chair proposed postponing the joint campaign until the April meeting to allow full commission input and proper research. Commissioners acknowledged an existing pilot flag crossing at Market and Ward streets but noted flag loss as a drawback.
• Catoctin Circle Crosswalk (Post Office): The resident’s comments were addressed. Commissioners confirmed a developer proffer includes a traffic signal and raised intersection for that location, but construction is likely 18 months away. No interim mitigation was deemed feasible given upcoming construction.
• One-Way Streets Update: Chair presented to Town Council on the one-way pair (Loudoun and Market streets); the proposal is not moving forward. Side streets (Liberty and Boat) have a public hearing and Town Council vote scheduled for March 10, 2026. Chair expressed opposition to one-way pairs due to fire/rescue response times and increased speeds endangering vulnerable road users.
• North Street & Harrison Street Driver Feedback Signs: A proffer from the courthouse expansion project includes driver feedback signs. Commissioners agreed to collect speed data from police before determining locations; discussion deferred to April.
• High-Visibility Pavement Markings on Stamped Crosswalks: Staff reported that applying white striping over thermoplastic brick patterns is technically infeasible (won't adhere, snow plow damage). The commission agreed to drop the topic, noting that safety considerations should be made before installing decorative crosswalks.
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at Miller Drive: A request from Cornerstone Church for RRFBs at a mid-block crosswalk. Commissioners debated whether to conduct a study first. A motion was made and seconded to perform a combined vehicle volume, speed, and pedestrian crossing survey for not to exceed $1,200. The motion passed 4-0. Data will inform whether to install RRFBs.
• RRFB Budget & Locations: Staff provided a quote of $22,128.15 for a two-location layout (five poles total). With ~$34,000 remaining in the current budget, three RRFB locations could be funded. Potential candidate locations include Battlefield Parkway at HOA request (near Costco) and Chatfield area. Staff will present detailed quotes and prioritize locations for a vote in April.
• Speed Enforcement Data: Staff reviewed driver feedback sign data from Potomac Station Drive (85th percentile 37 mph, average 30.9 mph in a 25 mph zone). Additional locations with speeding issues were noted: North King Street at Bridget Place, Kincaid Boulevard at Ronda Place, and 4-H Road near town entrance. Staff will request selective enforcement from LPD and report back.
• Traffic Manual Rewrite: A full rewrite of the 2001 manual was quoted at $175,000. An alternative approach would adapt Loudoun County’s 2019 Residential Traffic Management Guide to Leesburg’s needs for ~$50,000. The commission favored the latter as it aligns with county updates and reduces future costs. Discussion will continue at the April meeting.
• Bike Bus Presentation: The scheduled presentation from Leesburg Elementary School on the bike bus program was postponed; staff will confirm a new date, likely April.
• Parking Space Removal on Market Street: Confirmed that parking spaces have been removed near the loading zone; yellow center line restriping is pending warmer weather.

Key Outcomes

• Vote (4-0): Authorized a combined traffic/pedestrian survey at Miller Drive (RRFB evaluation) for up to $1,200.
• Deferred to April: Diversity Commission joint campaign discussion; flag crossing evaluation; North Street driver feedback sign placement; traffic manual rewrite decision; and bike bus presentation.
• Plan for April Vote: Budget expenditure for up to three RRFB locations (pending quotes) and final prioritization of installations.
• Directive: Staff to coordinate with LPD for targeted enforcement at identified speed corridors and to update commission on enforcement data.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 6, 2026 (tentative date mentioned as April 6th by the Chair).