For anyone who’s tried to drive, walk, or park downtown during a busy afternoon, the idea of rethinking traffic flow is probably long overdue. Leesburg’s historic core—charming as it is—isn’t built for modern traffic volumes. And as someone who grew up in this county and remembers when downtown felt sleepy even on a Saturday, I get it: change can feel like a threat. But in this case, it’s not. It’s an opportunity.
The Town’s plan to study and potentially convert parts of Wirt, Liberty, and Royal Streets to one-way traffic isn’t about creating headaches. It’s about solving them. These streets are narrow. Drivers get confused. Pedestrians take risks darting between parked cars. Fire trucks have to thread the needle during emergencies. The one-way conversion is meant to ease those issues—not create new ones.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a done deal. The Town is holding an open house on September 29 at Town Hall where folks can drop in, ask questions, and speak their minds. That’s your chance to be part of the process—not just another voice complaining on Facebook.
And yes, I’ve heard the concerns: that it’ll be harder to navigate, or that it might feel like the town is changing too fast. But good planning—especially the kind based on real data and public safety—isn’t a rush job. This proposal has been shaped by months of traffic studies, safety reviews, and input from first responders. It’s the result of deliberate planning, not some top-down decision.
What this could mean for downtown is safer crossings, less congestion, better flow, and maybe even more space for sidewalk dining or small public spaces in the future. A little change in how we drive can lead to a big change in how we use and enjoy our downtown.
As someone who still remembers when you could park in front of the Tally Ho without circling the block three times, I don’t say this lightly: Leesburg is growing, and if we want to preserve what makes our downtown special, we have to be willing to adapt. Supporting this one-way street study is one way to keep the heart of our town beating strong—without choking it with traffic.
So show up. Ask questions. Give your feedback. But don’t dismiss it out of hand. This is about keeping Leesburg livable—for everyone.
