The first of its kind not only in Stafford but also in the Fredericksburg region, the interchange will carry vehicles on a newly widened Courthouse Road over Interstate 95. The Virginia Department of Transportation states:STAFFORD: Before the diverging diamond interchange opens on Courthouse Rd, we wanted to give firefighters and EMS personnel a chance to drive through and become familiar with navigating the new traffic pattern. Its set to open to the public on Sat., Dec. 7 @staffcofire pic.twitter.com/4inD3vOKCq
— VDOT Fredericksburg (@VaDOTFRED) December 4, 2019
Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) lower the number of conflict points between vehicles by eliminating left turns. The new interchange briefly shifts vehicles on Courthouse Road to the other side of the road on new overpass bridges, which allows drivers to merge left onto the I-95 northbound and southbound ramps without stopping at a traffic signal. On Saturday, Dec. 7, crews will open the new interchange to traffic, with assistance from Virginia State Police and local law enforcement. Opening the interchange early Saturday will allow crews to take advantage of lighter traffic volumes. In addition to the interchange opening on Dec. 7, motorists can expect: On eastbound Courthouse Road, all three travel lanes will open in the diverging diamond interchange At Route 1, a new four-lane Hospital Center Boulevard extension will open west of Route 1 and connect directly to the diverging diamond interchange on Courthouse Road through a new Wyche Road intersection On westbound Courthouse Road, all three travel lanes will open in the diverging diamond interchange, but the road will narrow to two westbound travel lanes just before Austin Ridge Drive Courthouse Road west of Austin Ridge Drive will remain reduced to one lane in each direction until late December 2019, when all four lanes will open between the I-95 interchange and Ramoth Church Road/Winding Creek Road
Recent Stories
]Armed Robbery in Manassas
On January 26, around 11:33 p.m., two men, ages 19 and 21, were robbed at gunpoint at the Gardens of Crestwood Village on Provincial Drive. Suspects, described as Black males with thin builds, brandished firearms and stole various items, including a camera and recording equipment, before fleeing in a Toyota Camry. One victim was struck with a firearm and sustained minor injuries.
Brandishing Incident in Dumfries
Police responded to the Red Roof Inn on Dumfries Road on January 25 at 4:00 a.m. after a man reported being threatened with a firearm by an acquaintance of a female companion. The suspect fled before officers arrived. No injuries or shots were reported.
ust before 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units responded to a reported large boat fire at Hope Springs Marina on Hope Springs Lane.
Crews arrived on the scene within 10 minutes to find a large vessel, still attached to the dock, fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters acted swiftly, extending lines along the dock to contain the fire. Simultaneously, personnel used Fire Boat 1500 at Hope Springs Marina to attack the flames from the water.
To minimize environmental damage, booms were placed in the water to prevent the spread of hazardous materials.
Say “Meowdy” to Little One, a gentle one-year-old feline who has been waiting patiently for her forever home at the Stafford County Animal Shelter for 229 days. Little One arrived…
The United Campus Workers of Virginia, a statewide union representing workers at the University, Virginia Commonwealth University, William & Mary and Virginia Tech, rallied in Richmond’s Capitol Square Jan. 17 to demand collective bargaining rights and advocate for systems reforms in higher education. Following a morning of lobbying sessions with state legislators, the union called for legislative action to address issues such as delayed graduate worker pay and the high cost of living near the represented universities, the Cavalier Daily reports.
The central demand of the rally was to allow for collective bargaining, the process of negotiation between employers and groups of employees to establish provisions for wages, benefits and working conditions. Union members emphasized that without this legal right in the state, public-sector workers and higher education employees alike lack a formal instrument to address issues such as insufficient or delayed pay, suppression of free expression and inadequate workplace conditions. Rally speakers argued that collective bargaining would allow workers to secure fair contracts — holding higher institutions accountable to treating their employees fairly.
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.
