Rappahannock River users are advised that a portage will be in place beginning Monday, Dec. 2 to accommodate bridge construction as part of the Interstate 95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project.Signs are posted to guide river users at the portage, which is located at the I-95 bridges. River access will reopen in spring 2020. Additional signs notifying river users of the portage have been installed at major put-in locations upstream: Mott's Landing, Hunting Run, Ely's Ford and Kelly's Ford.River users can stay updated by checking the Rappahannock River access page online at improve95.org.What’s Being DoneDuring the week of Nov. 25, crews will finish building the portage, and river access is anticipated to close on Dec. 2, weather permitting.A second I-95 southbound bridge is being built as part of the I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project. The new bridge will carry three I-95 southbound lanes for through traffic over the river between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.The river is closing temporarily to allow crews to extend a temporary bridge in the river north toward the Stafford riverbank. A crane will be driven across the temporary bridge to build the fourth bridge pier, which will support the new I-95 southbound bridge.What River Users Can ExpectRiver users will see signs warning them that the river is impassable and of portage ahead, and when and where to exit the river.Pedestrian trails near the river in Fredericksburg will remain open. The river closure and portage affect only river users.All recreational traffic, on the river and on pedestrian trails, is encouraged to obey all signs and warnings in the construction work zone.Project BackgroundConstruction to build the $132 million I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing began in August 2018 and will be underway through May 2022.The project seeks to reduce I-95 congestion in the Fredericksburg area by providing local traffic with additional lanes to travel between Route 17 and Route 3 interchanges without merging into the interstate’s general-purpose lanes.The Rappahannock River Crossing project will build three new general-purpose lanes for I-95 southbound stretching six miles in the current median of I-95. The new lanes will begin in the vicinity of Truslow Road, just north of Exit 133 at Route 17 in Stafford. The new lanes will end 1.2 miles south of Exit 130 at Route 3 in Fredericksburg, in Spotsylvania County.The three existing I-95 southbound lanes will be converted to carry those traveling to the Route 17 and Route 3 interchanges, as well as the Safety Rest Area and Virginia Welcome Center.For additional information, please visit the project page on the Improve 95 website at www.Improve95.org
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Step into this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom colonial home at 107 Seven Pines Dr., Locust Grove, VA 22508, where modern luxury meets tranquil living. Situated on a spacious half-acre lot in the prestigious Lake of the Woods community, this move-in-ready gem is the ultimate blend of elegance and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Home:
This beautiful home offers over 2,500 square feet of finished living space, featuring brand-new stainless steel appliances, Pergo and wood laminate flooring, and fresh paint inside and out. The open and airy two-story foyer leads to gleaming hardwood floors throughout the main level. The light-filled dining room and a versatile office/formal living room flank the entrance. The cozy living room, complete with a gas fireplace, flows seamlessly into the upgraded kitchen with Kraftmaid cabinetry, sleek stainless steel appliances, and a convenient breakfast bar.
The upper level features all-new flooring, an office, and four spacious bedrooms. The owner’s suite boasts a large walk-in closet, dual vanities, and an ultra-relaxing jetted soaking tub. An additional flex room upstairs can serve as an office, gym, playroom, or even a fifth bedroom. The refinished screened-in rear deck offers the perfect space for year-round entertaining, while the large, level backyard provides plenty of room to play. A two-car garage and a newly sealed asphalt driveway complete this amazing home.
Dale City Elementary School is one of the schools to receive HVAC replacements within the next five years. [Photo courtesy of Dale City Elementary via Facebook]14 schools within Prince William…
After 17 years as a teacher, Spotsylvania’s Leslie Robinson has learned how to make her students laugh. In almost two decades, Robinson has taught every grade level from pre-school to adult high school, and currently teachers High School Family and Consumer Sciences in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She is also a popular social media content creator, with thousands of followers and views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Robinson said she loves bringing comedy into her classrooms, saying it helps students retain more information and also lets them find enjoyment in learning. Making the jump from the classroom to the public was a logical next step – Robinson said, “it only made sense to share that same energy and approach with fellow teachers.” Robinson honed her comedy skills in the classroom, saying, “Teenagers are the toughest audience out there,” and finding the ability to both connect with them and make them laugh is akin to “surviving ‘audience boot camp.'”Â
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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.