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Board approves CPAM removing eastern Gloucester Parkway segment to avoid new Goose Creek crossing
Summary
After reviewing traffic modeling, environmental impacts and referrals, the board approved a comprehensive-plan amendment to remove the eastern segment of Gloucester Parkway from the county transport plan; the western segment will remain to provide local access.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 10 approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) that removes the eastern segment of the Gloucester Parkway extension from the 2019 Countywide Transportation Plan while retaining a western segment to preserve access between Crosstrell Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road.
Marie Pham of the county’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) presented traffic modeling showing that removing the eastern segment — which would have required a new crossing of Goose Creek — did not materially worsen expected roadway operations under a 2040 build scenario when other planned improvements are included. Pham said removing the eastern segment would reduce impacts to natural resources by avoiding an additional bridge across Goose Creek.
Key technical points: The staff analysis compared an "as-planned" 2019 build to scenarios removing the Gloucester segment; the modeling assumed buildout of other CTP projects by 2040 (Route 7 widening to eight lanes, Russell Branch Parkway extension, Sicklerville/Sickland Road widenings, and realignment of Cochran Mill Road). Pham said VDOT and the Town of Leesburg were consulted; both indicated conditional support if the other network improvements remain in the CTP. Planning Commission recommended approval and staff supported forwarding the item to the board with a recommendation of approval.
Board discussion and votes: Vice Chair Turner led discussion noting the environmental advantages and a roughly $28 million per-lane-mile cost avoidance for not building the segment and the Goose Creek bridge. Supervisors discussed minor changes to level-of-service on some nearby roads (Riverside Parkway shifted from D to E in one analysis) but agreed the network performs similarly with the eastern segment removed when the other 2040 improvements are in place. The board suspended rules and approved the CPAM in the hearing; the final recorded vote was 7-0-2 with two members abstaining.
Why it matters: The decision removes a planned east–west extension that would have crossed Goose Creek, favoring reduced natural-resource impacts and substantial capital cost savings while keeping a western connection to serve local traffic needs. The action does not change approved data-center square footage on adjacent parcels but could allow reconfiguration of approved site plans.
Next steps: County staff will incorporate the CPAM change into updates of the Countywide Transportation Plan and coordinate with VDOT and the Town of Leesburg on timing and any necessary mitigation. Supervisors noted that the change should not delay other planned improvements in the county’s capital planning pipeline.
