Leesburg Residential Traffic Commission Meeting - April 7, 2026

The Leesburg Residential Traffic Commission met on April 7, 2026, to discuss traffic safety issues including the Old Waterford crossing, speeding on Hope Parkway, a bike bus program, a joint project with the Diversity Committee, budget allocations for rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and a proposed parking lane on Trailview Boulevard.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved as amended with a motion, second, and unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beth Huncharski (Stratford Club board member) expressed continued concerns about speeding on Hope Parkway, particularly between Miller and Sicklin roads, and at crosswalks near Shirley Square. She requested selective enforcement during 4–6 p.m. and a sign reminding drivers to yield to pedestrians. She thanked the commission for the digital speed sign but noted it is often ignored.
• A resident (East Stratford area, 23-year homeowner) described dangerous speeding on Hope Parkway, especially during weekday rush hours, with cars using the road as a cut-through from the Greenway. She proposed reducing the road from four lanes to two between Striker and Sicklin, or installing a four-way stop at Hope Parkway and Whip Drive near the pool. She reported near-misses with children crossing.
• A resident (Old Waterford area) displayed photos and advocated for more visible signage (e.g., speed, bikers, stop signs) on Morgan Park Road, contrasting existing signs with more effective examples from other neighborhoods. The commission acknowledged the suggestions.

Discussion Items

• Old Waterford Crossing Update: A commissioner reported that work is complete and the 90-day evaluation clock started April 1. Speed and volume data will be collected; police may conduct selective enforcement after 45 days. The double yellow line request was not implemented.
• Bike Bus Presentation: Cassie Cunnington (PTA president, Leesburg Elementary) presented a bike bus program launching April 15. The 2-mile route uses right-hand turns and parent volunteers. The commission offered additional flashing beacon lights to improve visibility.
• Diversity Committee Joint Meeting: Three commissioners attended a meeting with the Diversity Committee regarding a potential joint project. They reported the committee pushed for flag crossing installations and driver education, but commissioners found the meeting unproductive, lacking quantitative data and alignment with the Diversity Committee’s mission. The commission will consider constructive proposals at a future meeting.
• Trailview Boulevard Parking Lane: Discussion on a request to allow overnight parking in a travel lane. The commission concluded they lack data, criteria, and jurisdiction (road not yet town-maintained). They recommended developing criteria before further consideration and noted potential safety and enforcement issues.
• Speed Data and Enforcement Updates: Police provided speed data for several locations: South King (85th percentile 23.7 mph, average 18.6), Dry Mill (85th percentile 28.6 mph, significant reduction after pavement markings), and others. Selective enforcement on North King at Bridget resulted in 29 contacts over 28.5 hours since January. Speed cameras in school zones are mailing tickets; after-hours behavior still being evaluated.
• RRFB Budget and Locations: Staff presented budget of $33,373.41 and cost estimates for RRFBs. The commission voted to maximize the budget to install one three-pole and two two-pole RRFBs (covering three locations: North Street/North King, 741 Miller Drive, and a third to be chosen) and to collect data at two Battlefield Parkway intersections (Woods Edge Drive and Chadfield Way).
• One-Way Street Denial: The town council denied the proposal for one-way streets on Liberty and Word Street. Commissioners expressed disappointment, noting prior reductions in scope.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Motion to maximize budget for RRFBs, covering three installations and two data collection studies, passed unanimously.
• Directive: Police will conduct selective enforcement on Hope Parkway (focusing on crosswalks during 4–6 p.m.) and on Potomac Station Drive at Sycamore Hill Drive.
• Future Agenda: Speeding on South King Street (hotel area) added for May; bike bus will receive additional flashing lights; a future meeting will discuss criteria for overnight parking lanes.
• No Action: The Trailview Boulevard parking lane request was tabled pending more data and criteria. The one-way street proposal remains denied.
• Next Steps: Staff will develop criteria for parking lane assessments and share Loudoun County’s manual on speed bumps for future discussion.