Traffic, school quality concerns common of those moving to Woodbridge

As Woodbridge continues to grow, planners are focused on easing traffic congestion and bringing new transportation options to the area.

Those considering moving to Woodbridge are families with elementary-school aged children, according to realtor Mark Worrilow, who has sold real estate in the region for nearly 20 years.

“I’m not getting questions about Metro expansion to Woodbridge, or if there is a ferry that can take people to work in D.C.,” said Worrilow.

The Realtor does field questions about what types of shopping are available, what are the quality of the public schools, and questions about how bad is the traffic congestion?

“My customers like to hear about Stonebridge and all of the new stores coming there,” he said.

Worrilow points curious parents to the county school’s website for educational information and test scores. As for traffic: While some people don’t want to make the drive from Woodbridge to Washington, D.C. every day, they quickly learn that they can have more house for the same money than if they moved to Burke in Fairfax County to the north, said Worrilow.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi has long labored under the term “New Woodbridge,” and has touted new growth in the area — to include Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center — as well as the widening of traffic-clogged Route 1. He’s also been an outspoken proponent of a Metrorail extension to Woodbridge, and for a water taxi service from Occoquan to Alexandria and Washington.

Principi at 7 p.m. Thursday will hold a public meeting focused on transportation, called “Get Woodbridge Moving.”

From Principi’s website:

Let’s talk traffic! Traffic congestion in this region has been ranked worst in the country, negatively impacting the environment, and costing area families and businesses time, money and productivity. Come hear about the state of our transportation system and the need to link land use with transportation policies. We’ll also explore:

What is the relationship between land use policy decisions and traffic congestion?

Are we ready for Metrorail? Expanded bus and rail service? Bus rapid transit? Fast ferry?

How you can help the county make the right policy and budget choices?

Residents who attend the town hall are asked to weigh in and comment. Representatives from the Prince William County Planning Office, the Potomac, and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, and VDOT are scheduled to attend.

The meeting will be held at Homewood Suites by Hilton, located at 2650 Neabsco Commons Place in Woodbridge.

People are excited to learn about the widening of Route 1, and like the idea of using Virginia Railway Express to get to their place of employment added Worrilow.