The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Purcell Road Comprehensive Plan Amendment in December, 2012. The staff recommended leaving Purcell at two lanes, but still connecting it to the Prince William Parkway. Around a dozen citizens spoke in favor of leaving Purcell as-is with the exception of safety improvements. After much discussion, the Planning Commission unanimously decided to recommend leaving Purcell Road as-is (a two lane road connecting to Rt. 234 on one end and Hoadly Road on the other).
The Planning Commissioner's discussion included federal and state funding impacts, bike lane issues, school bus routes, the impact of the Tri-County Parkway, road right-of-way and more. The decision came down to two major stated concerns:
1. The negative impact on the local community's quality of life.
2. The expense and disruption involved in the staff's recommended plan that would be for questionable benefit. The county traffic study showed that no matter what was done with Purcell, it would still achieve a failing designation on a large part of the road. Whether it was four lanes, two lanes, connected to the Parkway or not, there would be severe traffic on the road in the future. Additionally, leaving Purcell as-is wouldn't appreciably affect traffic on surrounding roads in the future.
The plan now goes to VDOT for review and then a BOCS hearing in March or April.
The Planning Commissioner's discussion included federal and state funding impacts, bike lane issues, school bus routes, the impact of the Tri-County Parkway, road right-of-way and more. The decision came down to two major stated concerns:
1. The negative impact on the local community's quality of life.
2. The expense and disruption involved in the staff's recommended plan that would be for questionable benefit. The county traffic study showed that no matter what was done with Purcell, it would still achieve a failing designation on a large part of the road. Whether it was four lanes, two lanes, connected to the Parkway or not, there would be severe traffic on the road in the future. Additionally, leaving Purcell as-is wouldn't appreciably affect traffic on surrounding roads in the future.
The plan now goes to VDOT for review and then a BOCS hearing in March or April.