Opinion
It’s been a brutal year on Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia. Yes, more so than in years past, the delays seemed to rack up on the highway that bridges the gap not only Prince William and Stafford counties but to many jobs many of us commute to in Arlington and Washington, D.C.
For nearly all of us, the highway and its delays are something we’ve become very familiar with.
The Virginia Department of Transportation told us congestion on I-95 would get worse this year, especially during the summer of 2013 when work on the 95 Express Lanes would kick into high gear.
Now in winter and heading into 2014, we can see pavement that has been laid on the new lanes that, when the open in early 2015, will bring an extension of the HOV lanes from Dumfries to Va. 610 in North Stafford. The entire facility will between North Stafford and Esdall Road in Alexandria, and will allow single drivers to pay an electronic toll to use the lanes or occupants in vehicles of three or more to ride free.
And, while that all sounds well and good, it will be even better when the lanes finally open and work-related delays for the Express Lanes project a thing of the past. Even during the holidays, I-95 in our area has been plagued by delays morning, midday, and night as work zones are set up, closing lanes and backing up miles of traffic, in some cases.
So, as we say goodbye to 2013 and welcome 2014 give yourself a pat on the back for putting up with what has been horrendous traffic congestion. And, join me in looking forward to the project’s completion and the opening of the new lanes. Let’s hope they help to improve the awful delays that keep us away from home, family, and life’s activities by giving us another option to get where going just a bit faster.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
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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.
Featuring:
