Opinion
As the weather warms and summer nears, we are approaching the road mowing and paving season in Northern Virginia. Several paving projects are coming to eastern Prince William County and northern Stafford County in the 36th District.
VDOT plans to pave I-95 from Neabsco Creek to Smoketown Road, all of VA-123 and Old Bridge Road from VA-123 to Minnieville. Cardinal Drive will get a new surface from U.S. 1 to Minnieville as well. Southbridge will see new blacktop in on Wayside Lane, Pine Ridge Boulevard and several surrounding streets. VDOT will pave the entire length of Joplin Road from U.S. 1 to Bristow Road and all the streets of the entire town of Quantico. The Main Street between Curtis Drive and Quantico Gateway Drive through Dumfries is also scheduled to be repaved.
Many of Stafford County’s secondary roads are in better condition than streets in other areas since many are newer. In northeastern Stafford County, VDOT will resurface half a dozen streets around Dorothy Lane and Anita Drive in Garrisonville with all of Stefaniga Road.
Legislature Addressed Road Neglect
Over 70% of Northern Virginia’s secondary roads, roads numbered over 600, have been rated as having substandard pavement quality and despite my efforts, the state legislature has not met the challenge. From 1987 to 2013, the Virginia General Assembly refused to raise Virginia’s $0.17/gallon gas tax to even keep up with inflation. As salaries, the cost of materials and infrastructure needs all increased, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) had to prioritize funds for other critical maintenance needs. As a result, VDOT limited grass mowing, prioritized primary and interstate highway maintenance and curtailed secondary road paving. Deficient road pavement has been a consistent, frequent complaint since I have been in office these last six years.
In 2013, the legislature replaced the retail fixed gas tax with a wholesale percentage gas tax plus an overall sales tax supplement, steps which restored some roads and maintenance funding . We also passed a series of local taxes to fund transportation construction, but these taxes do not apply to Stafford County which is in the Fredericksburg Transportation District. Last year, VDOT started a major phase of paving in our communities as the direct result of this infusion of funds.
VDOT tries to bid out paving projects based on need and geographic location. Contractors may provide competitive bids when projects are conducted all within compact areas. This is why VDOT usually does not repave random streets miles apart (there are some exceptions). Also, typically, not but always, roads in entire neighborhoods tend to deteriorate at the same rate.    Â
If you would like to see a more detailed map including your specific street you can go to my online newsletter, The Dixie Pig at scottsurovell.blogspot.com or you can go to www.virginiaroads.org.
I am pleased that VDOT is finally taking steps to properly maintain our roadways, but VDOT still has a huge amount of catchup ahead. Nearly every secondary road in Woodbridge still has substandard pavement quality and after this summer, and over 50 percent of Virginia’s 36th Senate District’s roads will still need repaving.  You can find a map of the 36th Senate District at https://scottsurovell.net/district-36.
If you review the entire Northern Virginia map at www.virginiaroads.org, you can see that we are very lucky to be getting attention this summer given the massive backlog. I am working to make our area a continuing priority after this year.
Our experience over the last two decades is a basic lesson in the consequences of starving basic government services. If we do not keep our revenues commensurate with our needs, from schools to health clinics to roads, infrastructure and quality of life will suffer. In 2013, with bipartisan support, the state legislature addressed the transportation revenue shortfall and you are now seeing the results. These steps can likely save your family an alignment or a tire or two.Â
If you have any questions or complaints, please contact me at [email protected]. It is an honor to a state delegate and I look forward to earning your vote as your State Senator.
*Scott Surovell is currently serving as a delegate in Virginia, and is seeking a seat in the State Senate.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Still, employees can take unscheduled leave or engage in unscheduled telework due to current weather conditions.
While the county remains open for business, residents are encouraged to check for the latest updates on facility-specific operations by visiting pwcva.gov/emergency.
Some county services may be impacted by the weather. Before visiting a county facility, call ahead or check the county’s website.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
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.
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