In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the upcoming budget process for fiscal year 2026, focusing on two significant transportation projects in Loudoun County. The primary initiative involves widening the Route 7 bypass from Route 9 to the Dulles Greenway, with a request for $2 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund preliminary studies. Additionally, a further $15 million is sought for fiscal year 2031, which would be matched with funds from Smart Scale and NVTA.

The meeting highlighted the prioritization of projects, with the Battlefield Parkway and Route 15 bypass interchange being identified as the top priority. However, some council members expressed concerns about the order of project importance, suggesting that the South King Street Route 715 bypass interchange should take precedence due to its immediate impact on local traffic issues.

Discussions revealed that while the Battlefield Parkway project is further along in the planning process, the South King Street project is still in its early stages. Council members debated the implications of potentially reversing the priority order, weighing the benefits of advancing the South King Street project against the established progress of the Battlefield Parkway project.

County staff emphasized the importance of maintaining the current project order to avoid jeopardizing funding opportunities. The consensus leaned towards keeping the Battlefield Parkway project as the priority while simultaneously advancing the South King Street interchange project.

The meeting concluded with plans to include both projects in the upcoming budget agenda, ensuring that they remain on track for future funding and development. The council's decision reflects a commitment to addressing transportation needs while navigating the complexities of project prioritization and funding coordination with county officials.