Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout

Today, Thursday, March 14, and Monday, March 18, 2024, one lane road closures are scheduled on westbound Route 50 near the intersection of Trailhead Drive and Lenah Farm Lane from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The closure allows for tree clearing in preparation for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Route 50 and Trailhead Drive/ Lenah Farm Lane, in Aldie. If weather delays occur, work will take place during each successive workday until it is completed. Currently, all clearing operations are anticipated to be complete by March 22, 2024. 

While lane closures occur, drivers should use extra caution, follow directions from road signs and crews, and slow down when traveling through these areas. If possible, drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes. For example, the newly opened segment of Northstar Boulevard provides access to Braddock Road and other areas south of Route 50.

The project’s Construction phase is just beginning and will run concurrently with the Utility Relocation phase until summer 2024, or until utility relocation activities are completed. Construction activities will be ongoing until the project’s substantial completion, currently estimated for summer 2025. More information about Loudoun County Capital Projects and phases is provided at loudoun.gov/capitalprojects.

About the Project

The Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout is intended to improve traffic operations and control operating speeds along Route 50 at this intersection. The roundabout will include two westbound lanes to provide for left-turning and through/right-turning traffic. The northbound approach from Trailhead Drive will include a dedicated bypass lane to eastbound Route 50. The roundabout will be constructed to enable future expansion.

The major elements of the project include design and construction of the roundabout, stormwater management, drainage improvements and roadway lighting to facilitate safe traffic operations within the roundabout at night. 

For more information about the Route 50 and Trailhead Drive roundabout project, visit the project page.

Loudoun County invites members of the public to attend a “pardon our dust” meeting for the Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at Arcola Elementary School, 41740 Tall Cedars Parkway, Aldie. At this meeting, the public will receive a broad overview of the project timeline and learn about the stages of construction. 

This project will construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 50 and Trailhead Drive (Route 3395) in Aldie. The traffic calming and congestion mitigation measures at this intersection include two westbound lanes to provide for separate left turn and through/right turn lanes. The northbound approach from Trailhead Drive will include a bypass lane to eastbound Route 50.

Originally planned in the early 2000s, the project represents the last major element of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Route 50 Traffic Calming Corridor to be constructed.  Completed projects along this corridor include the Gilberts Corner roundabouts, and the traffic calming elements in the village of Aldie, the Town of Middleburg and the village of Upperville.

More information, including a link to sign up for updates on the project, can be found on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/route50trailheadroundabout.

 # # #

The Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout Project has reached the Right-of-Way acquisition (ROW) phase, according to the design-build project team. This phase begins once the design work has progressed far enough to determine definitively the land rights the project requires. 

During ROW, our land acquisition team negotiates with the affected property owners for the land rights the project requires. Independent appraisals are required to determine the value of the affected properties. The process is governed by federal and state law to ensure fair compensation for the land. Review A Guide for Property Owners and Tenants (PDF) for details. 

Utility relocations to make way for the upcoming construction of the roundabout will follow the completion of the ROW process, currently estimated for winter 2024. More information about Loudoun County Capital Projects and phases is provided at loudoun.gov/capitalprojects.

About the Project

The Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout is intended to improve traffic operations and control operating speeds along Route 50 at this intersection. The roundabout will include two westbound lanes to provide for left-turning and through/right-turning traffic. The northbound approach from Trailhead Drive will include a dedicated bypass lane to eastbound Route 50. The roundabout will be constructed to enable future expansion.

The major elements of the project include design and construction of the roundabout, stormwater management, drainage improvements and roadway lighting to facilitate safe traffic operations within the roundabout at night. 

For more information about the Route 50 and Trailhead Drive roundabout project, visit the project page.