Route 7 Study Recommendations Provided For Busy Section In Loudoun County

ASHBURN, VA — The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying possible improvements to a busy section of Route 7 in Loudoun County.

The Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solution (STARS) study is being done along about eight miles of Route 7 from the Leesburg Bypass (Route 15)/East Market Street (Route 7 Business) interchange to the Algonkian Parkway/Atlantic Boulevard (Dulles Town Center) interchange.

Route 7 is a key route connecting Loudoun County to communities like Tysons, Alexandria and more. There is currently a 45 mph speed limit between the Leesburg Bypass/East Market Street interchange and Battlefield Parkway; a 55 mph speed limit between Battlefield Parkway and Route 28 (Sully Road); and a 50 mph speed limit between Route 28 and the Algonkian Parkway/Atlantic Boulevard interchange. According to VDOT, an average 121,000 to 142,000 vehicles travel within the study limits daily.

During public input earlier in 2025, key issues identified by residents were peak hour traffic congestion, Route 7 corridor and intersection traffic safety and mobility challenges. Notable areas of concern were eastbound segments between River Creek Parkway/Crosstrail Boulevard and Belmont Ridge Road and between Loudoun County Parkway and Route 28, as well as the westbound segment between Battlefield Parkway and the Leesburg Bypass.

The feedback contributed to the resulting recommendations from VDOT. These include widening Route 7 from six lanes to eight between River Creek Parkway/Crosstrail Boulevard and Loudoun County Parkway, and modifications to the Leesburg Bypass/East Market Street interchange; Route 7 and Battlefield Parkway; Route 7 and Lansdowne Boulevard/Claiborne Parkway; and Route 7 between Loudoun County Parkway and Route 28.

A survey with details on the options proposed for the different intersections is open through Nov. 11. A translation tool to Spanish and other languages is available. Comments may also be sent to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov (with “Route 7 STARS Study” in the subject line) or to Ms. Manasi Phadnis, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 through Nov. 11.

VDOT will choose preferred improvements based on the public feedback and operational and safety analyses. The STARS study will be completed in 2026. While the study does not set construction dates, they provide recommended improvements that localities can seek funding for.