Is daytime roadwork and all of those construction zones keeping you from getting where you’re going?
Newly-elected Delegate Joshua Cole (D-28, Fredericksburg, Stafford) think so, and he’s introduced a new bill that would require the Virginia Department of Transportation to do all of their work at night.
Email from Cole’s Chief of Staff Eric Sundberg | During our preliminary research for HB283 we came across two metropolitan areas which implemented these controls in 2005. Both Los Angeles County and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex created bans which prevented construction projects and vehicles, in the case of L.A. from 6 a.m.. – 9 .a.m and 3 p.m. -7 p.m. and in the case of Dallas-Fort Worth from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The programs in those cities were successful in reducing rush hour traffic. Studies have demonstrated that the benefits of these programs are reducing costs to drivers, increasing safety for construction workers, and substantially reducing air pollution by moving drivers along faster.
Our goal with the bill is to alleviate traffic slowdowns in the [Interstate] 95 corridor, particularly in areas such as the 28th District. Allowing traffic to flow steadily throughout periods of heavy highway usage will reduce the economic costs of traffic for commuters and business as well as improve the air quality by reducing the amount of time automobiles spend idling.
VDOT did not return a request for comment on this post so we don’t know how this would affect their operations.
There is a major highway project underway in District 28 — the effort to add a new span of the Rappahannock Falls Bridge that carries I-95 traffic over the river, as well as two new lanes in the center of the highway from Truslow Road in Stafford to just south of exit 130 in Fredericksburg. This work includes adding new bridges at the interchange at milepost 133 at Falmouth.
Coles’s other trasportation-related bill, HB284, comes after the death of 17-year-old Colonial Forge High School student Helen Wang, who was killed on her birthday last May while pulling out of a driveway on a boating ramp at Abel Lake in Stafford County. Officials said there was too much overgrowth in the area, and that could have led to Wang not being able to see the oncoming car that struck and killed her.
Following her death, there was fingerpointing on the part of the county and VDOT as to who is responsible for maintaining vegetation along Stafford’s busy two-lane roads.
Email from Cole | This is a bill Sen. Richard Stuart (R-28) and I are working on with the Students from Changing Stafford’s Roads. We have support from the majority of the Stafford County delegation on this one.
It would simply allow the localities to handle roadside vegetation or give permission to private owners instead of waiting for VDOT to come and handle.
Author
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include: Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
? A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?
?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
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:
(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
