Leesburg Traffic Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Leesburg Traffic Commission met on May 6, 2026, to discuss a range of traffic and pedestrian safety concerns, primarily focusing on speeding on King Street, selective enforcement results, and potential traffic calming measures. Public comments were heard from residents, and the commission reviewed data from the Leesburg Police Department (LPD) and speed studies.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason and Kevin (residents on King Street): Expressed strong concern about speeding on King Street, particularly near the W&OD trail crossing. They argued that the 20 mph speed limit is not effectively enforced until well after the Safeway intersection and noted the increasing pedestrian and cyclist activity in the area. They proposed a raised crosswalk at the W&OD trail as a traffic calming measure to slow vehicles and improve safety.
• Carla (resident of Kenneth Place): Reported speeding in her residential cul-de-sac neighborhood, noting poor sight distance at a stop sign and near-misses. She requested police enforcement and potential all-way stop signs. The commission directed staff to add Kenneth Place to LPD's selective enforcement list.
• A visitor (candidate Brendan Murphy): Raised the topic of speed cameras on North King Street. The commission clarified that Virginia state code only permits speed cameras in school zones and construction work zones, and that Leesburg currently has cameras at three school zones with plans to expand to three more.
• Another speaker: Supported the idea of a raised crosswalk or speed table on North King Street near the church, but was cautioned by commission members based on past experiences with such measures in residential areas.

Discussion Items

• Hope Parkway Item Postponed: The commission voted to postpone agenda item #4 (Hope Parkway) to the June meeting to allow time for LPD's sergeant to attend and provide selective enforcement feedback. A resident who signed up to speak on Hope Parkway was encouraged to stay and voice concerns, but no testimony was given on that topic.
• South King Street Speeding and Pedestrian Safety: Extensive discussion on speeding between W&OD trail and Catoctin Circle. LPD data presented:
  • Selective enforcement (South King St at Bridget Place): 39 hours, 48 contacts for speeding.
  • Speed study (Westbound entering town): Average speed 28 mph, 85th percentile 32.71 mph, volume 2,726 vehicles per day (5 days).
  • West Market St at Trinity Church: Average 22.16 mph, 85th percentile 31.85 mph, volume ~7,000 per day (5 days).
  • Plaza Street (near police station): Average 21.63 mph, 85th percentile 26.93 mph (23 days).
  • South King Street between Royal and W&OD (2025 study): 85th percentile 26 mph, average 20 mph.
  • Smart trailer data (13 days southbound): 85th percentile 23.7 mph, average 18.6 mph.
  • Crash history (2017-2025): One pedestrian crash at South King & W&OD (bicyclist at fault); one at South King & Royal (details unknown).
• Commission debated whether a raised crosswalk or speed table was appropriate. Staff noted that such measures can cause drainage issues, snow plow problems, and may lead to vehicles speeding up after the bump. It was agreed that staff would present criteria for traffic calming tools at a future meeting, including raised crosswalks, speed tables, and other measures.
• North King Street Speeding: Discussion focused on the stretch from Ida Lee to North Street. LPD selective enforcement there showed 48 contacts in 39 hours, indicating speeding is an issue. A consultant study was proposed to evaluate the entire corridor from the bridge to North Street, but funding and staff workload are constraints. The commission will add this as an outstanding issue and explore options.
• Fairview Street Concerns: A resident requested all-way stops at two locations on Fairview Street Northwest and raised concerns about a traffic signal at West Market Street. Staff responded that a capital improvement project (CIP) adding a sidewalk and left-turn lane is planned for 2032, but no short-term measure is feasible without compromising pedestrian safety. The commission will seek more information from the resident on the specific issues motivating the request.
• Budget and Expenditures: The commission learned that its budget can cover four locations for speed studies. Staff committed to sending out funding codes and processing purchase orders by the June 10 cut-off.
• Morgan Park Road Sidewalk Project: The project is nearing completion; a handrail is needed to close out with VDOT. The West Green HOA requested that the sidewalk not connect to their private walkway due to liability and ADA concerns, which town staff are considering.
• Bike Bus and Safety: Commissioner Ray reported distributing 40 bike lights to the Bike Bus program and hopes to obtain flags for increased visibility.
• Diversity Commission Meeting: Several commissioners described a meeting with the Diversity Commission where the agenda shifted from pedestrian safety to driver education and flag crossings. The commission will follow up and may invite Diversity Commission members to a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Hope Parkway postponed to June 2026 meeting (motion passed unanimously).
• LPD requested to add Kenneth Place to selective enforcement list for speeding concerns.
• Traffic calming criteria presentation: Staff will prepare a presentation on the appropriate use of raised crosswalks, speed tables, and other tools for a future meeting (likely June or July).
• South King Street pedestrian/bike counts: The commission will consider conducting speed and pedestrian counts between Fairfax Street and the W&OD trail, pending budget availability (new fiscal year starting July 1).
• North King Street consultant study: Added as an outstanding issue; cost estimate to be obtained before further discussion.
• Fairview Street all-way stop requests: Commission will seek clarification from the resident on the specific problem (speeding vs. sight distance) before proceeding.
• Budget: Four locations selected for speed studies; staff directed to expedite purchase orders.