LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors gave the go-ahead to steps that are meant to improve safety along Route 9 from the West Virginia state line to Route 7. Board members approved short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations except for projects that are next to the town of Hillsboro. The recommendations came as the result of a study.
Loudoun County said the approved road improvements were not funded as of now, but each one had the potential to be included in a future capital budget.
Short-Term Recommendations
Short-term recommendations include installing warning signs, flashing beacons, sight distance vegetation clearing, chevrons, rumble strips, yield markings and improved signage at five locations including:
- Clarkes Gap Road
- Curve East of Sagle Road
- Hamilton Station Road
- Harpers Ferry Road
- Sweet Springs Country Store
Mid-Term Recommendations
Mid-term recommendations include improving turn lanes at Sweet Springs Country Store, Cider Mill Road and Purcellville Road and adding law enforcement pull-off areas along the corridor.
Long-Term Recommendations
Long-term recommendations at ten locations along the corridor include roundabouts at multiple intersections. The Board prioritized these improvements as follows:
- Roundabouts at Harpers Ferry Road, Cider Mill Road and Clarkes Gap Road.
- Lane continuity on a road segment from Clarkes Gap Road to Simpson Circle South and right-in/right-out/left-in turn lanes at Beacon Hill Road.
- Roundabout at Hamilton Station Road and eastbound left turn lane at Old Wheatland Road.
Next, Loudoun County said it will conduct the Route 7 (from Route 690 to the Clarke County line) and Route 50 Safety and Operational Studies.
