Questions are mounting about the widening of U.S. 1 between Stafford and Prince William counties. And they’re coming before an influx of federal workers is expected to relocate to Quantico Marine Corps Base in 2011.
The road is currently being widened from four to six lanes in Triangle, between Joplin and Brady’s Hill roads, as part of the planned Triangle Village near the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Improvements to the small stretch of road are being paid for by Prince William County taxpayers.
But it seems there won’t be any federal help when it comes to additional road improvements for the BRAC relocation to Quantico.
“Keep in mind… 60 million of taxpayers’ money has been put into Route 1 from Joplin to Brady’s Hill. That took a total of 16 years to come to fruition, and that is going to be completed next summer or fall,” said Prince William Board Supervisor Maureen S. Caddigan, R-Dumfries. “Prince William County has done more than its fair share, so at the BRAC meeting, when all of those people come to talk and listen to us…our last one was very discouraging because we were told very politely ‘we’re going to put you on notice: we don’t have any money.’ And so I really don’t know how we are going to widen from Fuller Road [in Stafford], which has been approved by both counties, which is going to cost two and a half million, and now we are told Prince William County is going to have to match the funds to widen the road in Stafford County.”
Last month, Prince William propositioned the federal government for $2.5 million for a study to explore widening U.S. 1 between Triangle and Boswell’s Corner in Stafford County. If the money is approved and the study completed, it should take about $25 million to widen that portion of the road, officials said.
Even if it is widened, problems will remain on U.S. 1 in North Woodbridge.
A long rang plan calls for the widening the road to six lanes between Triangle and the Occoquan River by 2030. But even if it is widened, six lanes may not be enough, transportation planners say.
The road may need to be widened to as much as 12-lanes at some points to accommodate all the new BRAC traffic, planners say.
“We have come to the conclusion that continuing to widen the road is not the solution,” said Pat Thomas, with Prince William County Planning Office. “You end up with a ceiling-less tunnel, so that’s not the solution.”
The recommendation comes after the county last month approved its North Woodbridge comprehensive plan, which will govern the development of the 160 acres between Occoquan Road and Annapolis Way.
At 12 lanes the road would be wider than Interstate 95, which runs parallel to it, and would consume more homes, businesses, would require sound walls and would make the area pedestrian unfriendly, said Thomas.
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
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.
