This week, VDOT will hold a series of hearings on the I-95 HOV/HOT (High Occupancy Vehicle/High Occupancy Toll) Lanes Project. As President of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, I see this project as critical for the long term prosperity of our region. It will boost the local economy, create jobs and help get traffic moving on congested Interstate 95.
Research from George Mason University found that construction of the I-95 project is expected to support 8,000 jobs and create significant opportunities for small businesses and contractors. It could not come at a better time. While our economy is showing signs of recovery, the construction industry is still hurting. This project will help get contractors back to work.
The HOV/HOT Lanes will also provide faster, more predictable travel for drivers and carpools on I-95. HOV violators now clog the existing lanes. Part of the HOV/HOT lanes project includes dedicated state troopers to help get those cheaters out and keep traffic flowing. The project will also extend HOV to Stafford County, helping to free up our local Park-and-Ride lots for Prince William residents and fixing the daily traffic jam at Dumfries.
After sitting in heavy congestion for years, drivers on I-95 deserve some relief. This project will connect HOV service on I-95 to new HOT Lanes on the Beltway, enabling travelers to move more quickly through the entire region. According to George Mason University’s research, when the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes improvements come online, they are expected to reduce travel time by 14,763 vehicle-hours each year.
When the I-95 system is in place, that time savings will increase exponentially.
Everyone in the region will reap immediate benefits from less time spent in traffic congestion. Businesses will see greater productivity, decreased delivery costs and times and be more accessible to customers. In addition to savings on gas and car maintenance, commuters will be able to enjoy more time with their family, as they arrive home earlier and less stressed from the drive.
Imagine the economic benefits of every small business making even just one more delivery each day. Imagine being able to count on getting to work or home on time. This can be the future of I-95, with HOT/HOV Lanes.
Visit virginiahotlanes.com to learn more about the benefits of this project and to find a hearing near you.
Rob Clapper
President & CEO
Prince William Chamber of Commerce
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Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) announced that transit service, which was suspended on Tuesday due to winter weather, is expected to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. Residents relying on public transportation are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling.
In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.
The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
The animals below are STRAYS turned into the PWC Animal Services Center between 01/03/2025 – 01/06/2025. We post photos of stray animals brought to the Center a couple of times each week to help owners find their missing pets.
(Fredericksburg Free Press) – The Fredericksburg Veterans Affairs Health Care Center will hold a hiring event and resource fair Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Germanna Community College.
The event will take place at Germanna’s Spotsylvania County campus, located at 10000 Germanna Point Drive.
The Fredericksburg City Council has announced a series of public meetings and work sessions as it considers approving the city’s first data centers within a newly proposed Technology Overlay Zoning District (TOD). The meetings aim to gather public input and provide transparency as the city plans to encourage high-technology industrial development in Celebrate Virginia South, next to the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium.
While the council is promoting data centers as an opportunity for economic growth, concerns from local activists and experts highlight potential challenges, including environmental and community impacts.
A recent report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) warns that if data center development in Virginia continues without constraints, the state’s energy demands could triple. The report emphasizes that meeting these increased demands would necessitate the construction of additional energy facilities, including renewable sources like solar and offshore wind, as well as natural gas plants. Specifically, JLARC estimates that a new natural gas plant would need to be built approximately every one and a half years to keep pace with the energy consumption of unconstrained data center growth.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
