The Winchester Common Council on Oct. 28 voted to extend the temporary emergency closure of Boscawen Street to vehicular traffic from Indian Alley to the exit of the parking lot behind City Hall and instructed staff to prepare a comprehensive proposal and resolution on the street’s future use.

The action followed a tragic traffic collision on Oct. 18 at Boscawen and Loudoun streets that resulted in the death of a young child and prompted an immediate temporary closure the next day. Councilors, police and city staff framed the vote as a safety decision while asking staff to return with options that address business access and traffic impacts. “One of the things that we go by is the best intersection that you can have is one that does not exist,” said Chief Lewis of the Winchester Police Department, arguing that removing through traffic from a pedestrian mall reduces chances of vehicle–pedestrian conflict. “Our recommendation would be just to have it as a walking mall where we have that protection for our citizens.”

City staff member Kelly told the council a contractor is under contract and materials are being ordered for a January construction project that, as currently designed, assumes some vehicular access. Kelly said the current plan includes a swing gate that would sit in line with the sidewalk when the street is open and be swung closed for events; if council directs a permanent pedestrian mall, the design and schedule would require revision. “If the direction of council is to explore options for a full-time closure to vehicular traffic, then there would be some redesign to configure it for a pedestrian mall,” Kelly said.

Staff said they conducted outreach to downtown businesses after the emergency closure. According to staff, they contacted 61 businesses; 89% of those spoken to either favored full or partial closure, and 65% supported a full closure. Council members cautioned that closing Boscawen could shift traffic to nearby Indian Alley, Piccadilly and Cameron Street and urged staff to analyze those ripple effects and propose mitigations. “I’d like to see traffic implications on Indian Alley,” said Councilor Newcomb, who said access for garage users and deliveries must be part of the study.

Councilors also discussed short-term options such as time-limited closures for deliveries, right-turn restrictions at Piccadilly, or delivery-only access windows. Staff noted that the city has VDOT funding tied to the planned work and that if construction is delayed one year the project could start in January 2027; the typical construction window for downtown work is January through April. Kelly said some interim measures could be implemented while the design and funding are aligned.

The final motion, moved by Councilor Bell and seconded by another councilor, directed the interim city manager to prepare a comprehensive proposal and resolution for council consideration regarding the status of Boscawen Street between Indian Alley and Cameron Street as a public right of way for vehicular traffic and extended the temporary emergency closure until the council adopts a resolution. The council approved the motion by voice vote. The council also adjourned its work session following the vote.

Councilors closed the session by expressing condolences to the family, first responders and witnesses affected by the Oct. 18 collision and committing to return with a range of options that balance pedestrian safety, business access and traffic impacts.