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After resident near‑miss reports, Percival council directs police to study speed limits, crosswalks and sidewalks
Summary
Following a resident's account of near‑misses at multiple crossings, the Percival Town Council directed the police to compile and prioritize intersections and crosswalks for potential speed‑limit reductions and signage improvements and to report back within months.
A resident’s testimony about near‑misses at mid‑block crosswalks prompted the Percival Town Council on Sept. 24 to direct the police department to study possible speed‑limit reductions, signage and crosswalk improvements across town.
Trisha Wright, who said she lives at 311 South 15th Street, told the council she had "witnessed on numerous occasions where individuals have attempted to cross the street to almost be struck by a motorist," including incidents involving her and her child. She asked the council to fund advanced warning features — flashing beacons, enhanced illumination and activated warning lights — at several mid‑block locations including portions of East Main St., West Main St. and 20th and 21st streets.
The police chief briefed council on preliminary traffic counts and speed data for a sample corridor, saying 3,208 westbound and 1,514 eastbound vehicles passed a measured point over seven days and that most speeds were in the 31–35 mph range, with an isolated peak of 54 mph. He described an internal per‑sign cost estimate of roughly $162 per sign ("$37 for a sign, $50 for a post, and $74 for [stop hardware]") but said VDOT quotes for an R2‑1 speed sign could be $1,100–$1,400.
Council members discussed whether sidewalks should determine candidates for lower speed limits and whether town ordinance language would require changes or posting of speed limits in specific locations. Councilor Wright cautioned against blanket restrictions on thoroughfares that could shift traffic to other streets. Staff planning manager Kimberly Horn noted E Street is currently ranked in the town’s CIP for sidewalks and carries an estimated $1.7 million project cost (including drainage), and said projects can move in priority when there is council and community support.
Vice Mayor Rayner moved and Councilmember Stout seconded a motion directing the police department to prepare a list of streets and intersections within town limits that could be considered for lower speed limits and additional crosswalks, along with prioritization and cost considerations. The motion passed by voice vote 6–1, with one member absent.
The motion asks staff to return recommendations (including the number of crosswalks to consider) and suggested a 3–6 month timeframe for a report. Council discussed pairing signage and speed‑limit changes with broader pedestrian and traffic‑study work the county is expanding for the Western Loudoun Rec Center area.
