Leesburg commission hears widespread pedestrian and speeding concerns, approves funds for speed-sign bases and keeps North Street two-way

Leesburg Traffic Commission members heard more than a dozen residents on speeding and pedestrian-safety problems across town, agreed not to convert North Street to a one-way route, re-elected leadership and approved spending to install permanent bases for mobile speed-feedback signs.

Residents and neighborhood representatives described near-misses and regular speeding on Hope Parkway, North King Street, Longfellow Drive, Dry Mill and other corridors. "Residents have almost been hit numerous times," said Matt Dragoning, a resident of Old Stratford, describing fast traffic over crests near several crosswalks. Caroline (last name not provided), a parent who lives on Hope Parkway, told the commission the sun sets directly into drivers’ eyes at one crossing and said she feared for children walking to the neighborhood pool.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the complaints reflect a mix of routine cut-through traffic, post-pandemic commuting patterns and localized line-of-sight problems that may require different remedies — selective enforcement, temporary trailers or permanent physical changes at crossings. The commission voted to accept staff recommendations not to convert North Street into a one-way roadway after staff said the traffic…