DUMFRIES — Of the five road projects, totaling $355 million, that voters will have a say on this fall, the Van Buren Road extension wasn’t one of them.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors in June axed the $70 million project, which would have extended Van Buren from its intersection with Route 234 near Dumfries, to Cardinal Drive.
The new four-lane road would have served local drivers as a parallel route to Interstate 95 and would have eased traffic congestion on Waterway Drive in Montclair.
Residents in the Four Seasons neighborhood, where the road would have abutted, fought the extension despite promises that only a few trees would be cut down, and of a new sound wall to cut down on traffic noise.
“Van Buren Road is over,” said Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan. “That’s not to say it shouldn’t happen. It’s needed, and the county will get another crack at it.”
Whether that comes later in the form of another proposed road bond, or with funding from the state or Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, who knows.
But while Van Buren road may be “over,” talk about extending it certainly isn’t dead.
Douglas Taggart, the Republican who is seeking to replace Caddigan on the Board of County Supervisors will hold a meeting on the zombie project at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26 at the Montclair Library’s community room.
He’ll be there to listen to residents, some of whom live in Montclair and supported the extension, to get their take on how to best move the project forward. It’s not a campaign event, says Taggart, and no campaign materials will be distributed and no campaign donations accepted.
Taggart said he invited his opponent, Andrea Bailey to attend the meeting, too. However, she as unable to attend.
“Andrea has something personal that was scheduled back in spring for that evening. [On August 20] we had a Meet & Greet at the Montclair Library where Andrea engaged with residents of both Montclair and Four Seasons about the Van Buren extension and their traffic and road concerns. Their concerns were varied, and similar,” Bailey’s campaign manager Daniel Otto told Potomac Local.
The plan for the Van Buren Road extension was to build a nearly three-mile, four-lane road with a bike path and sidewalk, over the course of about six years. It was one of multiple proposed road bond projects that didn’t make the cut.
Voters will have their say on the projects that were selected for potential funding at the polls on November 5.
Recent Stories

A new emergency veterinary clinic is set to open in Spotsylvania County, bringing critical pet care services to the Fredericksburg area. Cladda Veterinary Emergency Team, founded by a team of experienced veterinary professionals, is expected to open its doors in mid-May, pending final confirmations.

Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville

McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has