U.S. 50

Utilization of the system of four roundabouts in the Gilbert’s Corner area (U.S. 50 and U.S. 15) is nearly two months ahead of schedule, with the last roundabout at the site of the old U.S. 50/15 intersection ready for traffic and the closed section of U.S. 50 reopened by Friday, Oct. 2. It was originally anticipated it would take until Thanksgiving to have the infrastructure complete and all four roundabouts functional.

Watson Road reopened on Aug. 17 after being closed for two weeks, and travelers on U.S. 50 are now crossing new pavement as they travel the highway east of Gilbert's Corner. Located slightly north of the original highway (and away from Mount Zion Church), the new roundabout eliminates the need for a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. 50 and Watson Road.

Inova Health System and Inova Loudoun Hospital have filed an application with state health officials for a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) to build an 80-bed hospital on U.S. 50 in Loudoun County.

By John Toler

In spite of a wet spring, highway improvement projects in eastern Loudoun at Gilbert’s corner and on Sycolin Road are moving ahead, both with year-end completion dates. But as work progresses, drivers will have to plan on some significant detours and road closures before the projects are finished.