In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shirley Contracting Company, Transurban is set to unveil a new access point from Opitz Boulevard to the 95 Express Lanes in Woodbridge.
The access point, opening on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10 p.m., will allow northbound entry during morning rush hour starting Friday, November 15, providing Prince William County commuters a faster and more reliable route.
The $70 million project, fully funded by Transurban, is designed to serve a growing community that includes major employers like Sentara Northern Virignia Medical Center and Potomac Mills. VDOT Northern Virginia District Megaprojects Director Michelle Shropshire expressed pride in delivering this new connection, citing its potential to ease congestion for drivers traveling from Prince William County and beyond.
“The new connection between Opitz Boulevard and the 95 Express Lanes will provide new access for drivers coming from Prince William County and points south, helping to relieve congestion locally and on I-95,” Shropshire said.
The Opitz Boulevard Ramp Project introduces a reversible, south-facing ramp offering northbound access to the 95 Express Lanes from Opitz Boulevard in the morning and southbound access in the afternoon. The project also includes rehabilitation and widening the Opitz Boulevard bridge over I-95, adding left-turn lanes in both directions and a sidewalk for bicyclists and pedestrians. This stand-alone direct access ramp is the first to be integrated into the existing Express Lanes network. It is expected to ease traffic flow across the highway on Opitz Boulevard.
Originally planned for summer 2024, the ramp’s opening was delayed due to project adjustments, according to Transurban. Despite the delay, Transurban North America President Beau Memory noted that the project reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to mobility improvements in Northern Virginia.
“The Opitz Boulevard Project is a great example of Transurban’s commitment to improving mobility in collaboration with our partners at VDOT,” Memory said. “We are always looking for more ways to provide faster, more reliable trips, and the new ramp will continue to build connections throughout our communities.”
Voters stand in line to cast their ballots at a DMV in Woodbridge.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will deploy federal monitors to observe elections in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park on Election Day. These monitors will focus on ensuring local compliance with federal voting laws, specifically related to accessibility for voters with disabilities and the availability of language assistance.
Susan Reed, the Voter Registrar for Manassas, confirmed the DOJ’s involvement, stating, “DOJ has contacted me and have agreed to allow DOJ to monitor the precincts. The DOJ monitored right after Manassas City was language required several years ago. The DOJ’s focus is ensuring localities are making progress with ADA and language requirements. I have had positive feedback and also helpful suggestions from them. The DOJ’s monitors are doing their job to ensure federal laws are being followed, and Manassas City wants to adhere to federal law.”
On October 30, multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old man identified as Jason Thomas Blake, who was found deceased in a vehicle on October 27. The investigation revealed that the victim had been shot after an altercation during a drug-related meeting, and the suspects were involved in his abduction and murder.
Press Release from Prince William County Police Department:
Murder Investigation *ARRESTS | VICTIM IDENTIFIED – On October 30, detectives obtained arrest warrants and later apprehended multiple suspects in connection to the murder of a 43-year-old man who was found deceased in the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) on October 27. The victim was handcuffed and located by an acquaintance in the backseat of his vehicle that was parked in the above area. The victim had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed on October 25, the victim met with multiple acquaintances, identified as the accused men below, at a home on Cherry Hill Rd in Dumfries to purchase narcotics and sell a firearm. During the encounter, an altercation ensued, and the victim was handcuffed and forcibly abducted from the residence against his will. The victim was eventually taken to a secluded area along Triangle St where he was shot and killed. As the investigation progressed, the three accused men were subsequently identified as being present at the time of the abduction or were present or directly involved in the victim’s murder. Following the investigation, the below listed suspects were arrested. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police.
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Jason Thomas BLAKE, 43, of Woodbridge
Homicide Investigation [Previously Released] – On October 27 at 10:34AM, officers responded to a residence located at the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) for a report of an injured adult male found inside a vehicle. The investigation revealed the victim was found by an acquaintance with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead at the scene. The victim's injuries were determined to be suspicious in nature and not self-inflicted. Detectives are actively investigating the incident and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be random. The identity of the deceased, a 43-year-old male, will be released pending notifications of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.
Arrested between October 30-31:
Jerrome Thomas BARNES, 40, of 3200 Jasper Hill Ct [near] Dumfries
Charged with murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, abduction, and conspiracy to commit a felony
On October 29, a suspect was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on February 2 in Dale City, following a previous arrest of another individual on October 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the case.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST – On October 29, the suspect sought in connection to the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) on February 2, was arrested. The accused, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was located at a home on Michelle Ct in the Manassas area of Prince Wiliam County where he was taken into custody without incident. Another suspect was previously arrested in connection to this investigation on October 15. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Wade, D. S.
Arrested on October 29:
Denzel Scott WADE, 30, of 2960 Penbury Ct, #203, in Woodbridge
Charged with conspiracy to commit a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC
Prince William County police are investigating a murder-for-hire case following the February 2 shooting death of 23-year-old Egypt Zapporah Carter, who was found fatally shot inside her car near Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Dale City. Police have arrested Drew Courtney Buchanan, 27, on charges of second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and firearm use in the commission of a felony. Buchanan was arrested on October 15 in Manassas and is being held without bond.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a second suspect, Denzel Scott Wade, 30, who was allegedly present at the shooting scene. Police are actively searching for Wade and urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them.
Update 1:30 p.m. from Prince William police:
Buchanan
Murder Investigation *ARREST | SUSPECT WANTED – During the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) on February 2, detectives have arrested one man and obtained an arrest warrant for another man involved in the encounter. The victim was found fatally shot while inside her vehicle when officers arrived on the scene around 2:07AM. The investigation revealed a murder-for-hire was arranged to kill the victim. Detectives further learned the suspect currently in custody, identified as Drew Courtney BUCHANAN, carried out the act in murdering the victim. On October 15, BUCHANAN, was located in the Manassas area and arrested without incident. An additional suspect, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was determined to have been present with BUCHANAN at the time of shooting and is currently being sought by police on an active arrest warrant. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending in this investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect or who can otherwise aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.
Wade
Arrested in October 15:
Drew Courtney BUCHANAN, 27, of 15701 Tassleford Ln, #303, in Woodbridge
Charged with 2nd degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Wanted:
Denzel Scott WADE, 30, of the 2900 block of Penbury Ct in Woodbridge
Described as a black male, 5’11”, 170lbs with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for conspiracy to commit a felony
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]From Prince William police:
Homicide Investigation – On October 27 at 10:34AM, officers responded to a residence located at the 18500 block of Triangle Street in Triangle (22172) for a report of an injured adult male found inside a vehicle. The investigation revealed the victim was found by an acquaintance with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s injuries were determined to be suspicious in nature and not self-inflicted. Detectives are actively investigating the incident and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. Preliminarily, this incident does not appear to be random. The identity of the deceased, a 43 year old male, will be released pending notifications of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene. Read more.
Original post — From Manassas police:
*Incident Alert* at 10.21.2024 at 2:38pm
Police are on scene at the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane for an investigation which is contained to a residence. There is a high police presence in the area. It is safe for the public to continue regularly activities. pic.twitter.com/F9C46vRkvb
Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal incident involving a tractor trailer on Interstate 95. The driver was found dead after the vehicle overturned on the roadway.
On October 30, multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old man identified as Jason Thomas Blake, who was found deceased in a vehicle on October 27. The investigation revealed that the victim had been shot after an altercation during a drug-related meeting, and the suspects were involved in his abduction and murder.
Press Release from Prince William County Police Department:
On October 29, a suspect was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on February 2 in Dale City, following a previous arrest of another individual on October 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the case.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
