Rt. 7/690 Interchange – ‘Measure twice to cut once and the divorce before the marriage’  

By Kwasi Fraser

Citizens of Purcellville, let me clarify my position on the Rt. 7/690 Interchange. I once supported this proposed project based on the Loudoun County Interchange Justification Report (IJR) design. 

I envisioned relief for Hirst Road congestion as documented in the IJR. My endorsement was based on an earlier design presented in the IJR. I had not yet seen a comprehensive picture of the impacts of the County’s design changes, and trusted that such data would be forthcoming. The IJR design that informed my support for the proposed project, differed starkly from the current design. 

Supporting the project for its promised traffic improvements, I championed its development after being elected mayor in 2014. Since 2014, however, both the project design and the surrounding area have undergone much change. 

In 2021, during my fourth term, I pressed for the project’s advancement, not fully aware of the new design change implications or of the County’s flood plain plans. As we learned more about the floodplain encroachment and potential damage to homes and the South Fork of the Catoctin Creek, along with increased traffic from an eastbound ramp, I reevaluated my position on the proposal. I sought input from the community, transportation experts, and more information from the County. I expressed concern about the increasing fast-tracking without due diligence. 

The County continued to make claims of reduced congestion, even while data from their hired experts warned of dangers. As such, I do not support the recent irresponsible decision by Mayor Stan Milan, and Council Members Caleb Stought, Kevin Wright, Mary Jane Williams, and Erin Rayner. Their support is without updated studies and fully transparent disclosure of its impact on Purcellville and Western Loudoun County. 

Unfortunately, Mayor Milan avoided addressing my questions that were submitted for the Public Hearing and instead sent out an email misrepresenting my past support as current support. He completely disregarded my inquiries. Here are my unanswered questions:

Does the Town or the County have any professional estimate of the increase in the number of trucks coming to Purcellville from the west via the future eastbound ramp on the 7/690 Interchange with access to Hirst Road and Berlin Turnpike, leading to the truck station behind the Catholic Church?

What impact is anticipated on Berlin Turnpike and Rt. 7 from the expected rise in truck traffic originating from the west?

What percentage increase in flooding is projected during and post-construction of the 7/690 Interchange?

Where can I access an analysis detailing the environmental impact on nearby homes resulting from the construction of the 7/690 Interchange within the floodplain?

Is there a potential for increased flood risk from the interchange’s construction that might expose the Town to legal action from affected communities?

How is the 7/690 Interchange expected to alleviate congestion on Main Street and Berlin Turnpike in Purcellville?

Was the removal of Lot 74 (601 N 21st Street) from the Town Map and tax roll to facilitate the interchange’s construction subject to a public hearing? If not, what determined this decision?

What procedure is involved in removing a residential home within the Town of Purcellville and an HOA, from the Town Map and tax roll in support of a project like the 7/690 Interchange that is yet to be approved?

Why is the county moving forward with the construction of the eastbound exit ramp despite the findings in the 2018 traffic study conducted by the County and VDOT, which indicated that the projected traffic volume from the first year up to estimates for 2040 does not justify the necessity of an eastbound exit ramp?

Where is the traffic study that justifies the need for the 7/690 Interchange project now and in the future?

What’s the impact to traffic on Main Street and Berlin Turnpike if the 7/690 Interchange is not constructed?

If approved, what is the estimated timeline for completing the 7/690 Interchange project?

Mayor Milan’s approach, which seems to be driven by cognitive dissonance, undermines the importance of policymakers being able to adjust their course in response to new and significant data regarding threats to the well-being and safety of our citizens and their properties. 

In response to Mayor Milan, I emphasize the importance of careful consideration, stating, ‘Measure twice to cut once, and the divorce before the marriage is the best one.’

Kwasi Fraser is the former Mayor of the Town of Purcellville.