A groundbreaking ceremony signaled the start of work on a $54 million, seven-story parking garage near Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge.
The garage will sit in an area once earmarked for a Minor League Baseball stadium built eventually in Fredericksburg in 2019. The garage will serve as a transit hub in eastern Prince William County, replacing the nearby OmniRide transit center as a central bus transfer point.
Officials said that a soon-to-be-built ramp from the Interstate 95 E-ZPass Express to Opitz Boulevard would provide easy access to the garage.
Work on the new garage comes after union drivers at OmniRide ended a month-long strike, leaving commuters who rely on the bus to get them to and from Washington, D.C., without a ride.
Workers ended the strike after OmniRide agreed to pay them $12 million more over four years.
More in a press release:
Preparatory work has begun on Prince William County’s first parking garage, a park-and-ride facility that will relieve crowding at the Route 1/Route 234 Park and Ride Lot.
Design on the $53.5 million, 1,414-space Potomac/Neabsco Mills Commuter Garage, which will serve as an OmniRide bus hub, began in 2022 after the Prince William Board of County Supervisors chose the location off Opitz Boulevard, near Potomac Town Center, in 2019.
The parking garage will have electric vehicle charging stations and a new sidewalk along River Rock Way.
“The garage will also serve … the upcoming Transurban lanes that are being constructed along Opitz to improve access to the 95 Express Lanes,” Prince William County Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler said at a recent groundbreaking ceremony. “The county strives to continue to build a truly efficient multi-modal system. The construction of this parking facility adds a new dimension to this goal.”
Funding for the parking garage came from state, local and federal sources, with $37 million coming from the Virginia Department of Transportation’s System for the Maintenance and Allocation of Resources for Transportation, or Smart Scale. Smart Scale is a data-based program aimed at completing transportation projects that create the greatest benefit for taxpayers.
“The collaboration and innovation utilized throughout this project will enable us to address the needs of commuters across the county in the years to come. It will allow us to develop future projects … that will meet our residents’ evolving needs and expectations as the 21st century unfolds.” Wheeler said. “This is really a signature project in Prince William County in so many ways.”
The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2024.
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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
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.
