Speed Limit To Drop To 20 Miles Per Hour In Downtown Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — The speed limit in downtown Leesburg is dropping from 25 to 20 miles per hour. Town officials said the change would go into effect in the next 60 to 90 days.

The Leesburg Town Council approved the change during a vote on Tuesday. Officials noted that the new speed limit would go into effect after new signs are ordered and installed.

The town council resolution notes that Memorial Drive residents had raised concerns about speeding in the area.

A Virginia law allows local jurisdictions to lower speed limits in residential or business areas, as long as the speed limit is not lower than 15 miles per hour. The law requires that the jurisdiction conduct an engineering study before lowering the speed limit.

The Leesburg Town Council contracted Wells and Associates to conduct the "Downtown Leesburg Speed Study." The study recommended lowering the speed limit to 20 miles per hour.

The change was supported by the Department of Public Works, which noted that a reduced speed limit could enhance pedestrian safety in the area.

The Leesburg Police Department also supported the change. According to the official resolution, police personnel agreed "that lower speeds should result in a decrease in both property damage and the severity of injuries in the event of a collision."

As the speed limit changes, the local traffic commission will consider "calming measures," on Loudoun and Market Streets, according to a town news release. The calming measures would help ease the speed limit transition in the area.

Town officials estimated that it will cost about $10,000 to install new speed limit signs.