This letter to the editor was sent to us by Mark Scheufler, a Prince William County resident. All of the letters we’ve posted by him all have to do with improving mobility around our region. This latest letter comes as the Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on improving Interstate 95 statewide, at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg from 6 to 8 p.m.
Getting between Richmond and Washington, D.C.c can be difficult with very unpredictable travel times, especially on weekends in the summer. The Commonwealth of Virginia is building a significant number of projects along I-95 in the Fredericksburg area that will improve traffic flow over the Rappahannock River.
This coupled with the new Harry Nice Bridge [over the Potomac River, linking Virginia and Maryland] coming online in 2023 will lead to longer travel times between Fredericksburg and Richmond
Virginia is expected to add 1.5 million people between now and 2040 with the vast majority of that growth along the corridor between Washington DC, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Improvements to I-95 between US1 (Exit 126) and I-295 (Exit 84) will be needed.
VDOT should consider adding the project below to the list of recommendations for the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan.
Expand I-95 from six to 12 lanes between U.S. 1 (Exit 126) and I-295 (Exit 84) using a dual-dual configuration similar to the New Jersey Turnpike layout between Philadelphia and New York City.
· Each direction will consist of three barrier separated car only express lanes with limited access points between Fredericksburg and Richmond/I-295 and three local lanes for cars and trucks with access to all existing interchange points.
· All lanes would be assessed a $2 toll to enter this 40-mile stretch of highway each day via E-ZPass or pay by plate.
· No toll booths would be used.
· Additional tolls would not be charged for multiple entries per day.
· Tolls would be the same for cars and trucks.
· Tolls to supplement future improvements (capital and operating) along the CSX rail line between DC and Richmond that was outlined as part of the recent DC2RVA study
In 2013, The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that requires legislative approval of tolls on I-95 South of Fredericksburg and in 2016 the FHWA revoked an exemption to toll the existing lanes of I-95 along this stretch of highway. These two policy decisions would need to be enacted for this $4 billion project to move forward.
Starting with a daily traffic count of 120,000 unique vehicles and a $2 toll, the 40-year toll collection period would generate $6.6 billion based on a 1% traffic increase and 2% toll increase per year.
Doing nothing to improve conditions along this corridor will reduce Virginia’s economic competitiveness along the I-95 corridor between Maine and Florida.
Recent Stories
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors will address the county’s meals tax during the upcoming budget deliberations, according to Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a concern for local restaurant owners, some of whom are advocating for its repeal.
The proposed meal tax (also called the food and beverage tax) for Prince William County in FY2025 is projected to generate $42 million in revenue. This represents a $10 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a significant rise of 31.25%.
The tax has drawn strong reactions from the restaurant industry, where owners have repeatedly called for its abolition, arguing that it places additional strain on their already tight margins. Restaurant owners have pointed to the increased costs they’ve faced over the past few years, compounded by inflation and staffing shortages, making the meals tax particularly burdensome.
A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.
At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.
“We’re thrilled to be opening a full 24-hour fitness facility right in the heart of Dumfries,” Wortham said. “This town hasn’t had anything like this before, and I’m excited to provide a space where people of all ages can work toward their health and wellness goals.”
OmniRide has earned the prestigious Best Workplaces for Commuters designation, meeting rigorous standards for excellence in employee commuter benefits. This national recognition highlights OmniRide’s commitment to providing stress-free, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation options for Northern Virginia commuters.
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Linda Kathleen Williams (Green), 76, found peace on February 6, 2025 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Linda was a beautiful person both inside and out. She grew up in South Charleston, West Virginia with her parents, Charles and Mary M. Green and her 13 siblings.
From her parents, Linda learned the value of working hard, loving others and laughing often. Linda graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1966. As the second born and eldest daughter of a large family, Linda’s love for children and caring for others came naturally. She completed a degree in Early Childhood Education in Athens, West Virginia at Concord College in 1970.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
