Leesburg, VA (February 11, 2026) –Following a February 9 work session presentation by Town staff, the Leesburg Town Council has decided it will not move forward with the discussion on converting Market and Loudoun  streets to one-way traffic direction, though the conversion of two other downtown side streets remains under consideration.

The decision to end the discussion on converting Market and Loudoun Streets to one-way traffic follows the recommendations of the recently-completed comprehensive Downtown Traffic Study and also acknowledges significant community opposition to the proposal.

The Council will, however, consider a Town Code amendment to convert two downtown side streets to one-way traffic following a February 10 public hearing on the matter.

Both the Town’s Transportation Engineer and the Downtown Traffic Study recommend that the Council approve the conversion of the following side street segments to one-way traffic:

• Wirt Street SW between Royal Street SW and West Market Street (to allow northbound traffic only)
• Liberty Street SW between Royal Street SW and Loudoun Street SW (to allow southbound traffic only)

Staff originally also proposed converting Royal Street SW between South King Street and Wirt Street SW to one-way traffic. Transportation Engineer Niraja Chandrapu informed the Council at its February 10 meeting that staff now recommends maintaining that segment of Royal Street as two-way traffic, and re-evaluating conversion to one-way traffic during a future capital project to address drainage and pedestrian safety improvements on the section of the street between Church and Liberty streets.

A vote on a Town Code amendment to convert the sections of Liberty and Wirt Streets to one-way traffic is scheduled for Council’s March 10 meeting.

Public comment on the change to the two side streets to one-way traffic will be accepted through the close of business Wednesday, February 25. Comments may be shared via an online comment form; by email to Public Relations Coordinator Abbie Valle at avalle@leesburgva.gov; or by mailing or dropping off the comment form at 25 West Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176. Please reference “One Way Street Conversion” in the subject line of emails.

More information on the one-way side street conversion can be found at https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/public-works/traffic-management-services/one-way-street-conversions.

Media Contact:
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov
703-669-1425