Since Jan. 1 there have been seven traffic accidents at the intersection of Cascades Parkway and Cranston Street, the main entrance to the Cascades Marketplace. That makes a total of 36 accidents at that location over the past three years caused by drivers attempting to make a left turn onto Cascades Parkway.
For Delegate Richard H. Black (R-32) that's 36 too many.
In an effort to prevent any more accidents, or at least keep the numbers low, Black met with officials from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Monday to discuss how to make the intersection safer.
At this time, there is no traffic light at the intersection and drivers leaving the shopping center are permitted to make left turns onto Cascades Parkway. The turn is difficult and is particularly treacherous on the weekends.
Crime analyst Judi Lukens Torian and patrol division Capt. Ron Gibson presented Black, who is a member of the House of Delegates Transportation Committee, with three suggestions for the intersection. Those options include installing a no left-turn sign or installing a traffic light and closing the median which would force drivers to turn right.
Lukens Torian warned that simply putting in a no left-turn sign may not prevent people from making the turn.
