Ian Ollis, the organization's director, explained the scope of the project. "It's one main project that seeks to replace a bridge over the rail line. The reason for that is the need to put a third rail track from Union Station in D.C. down to our region," Ollis said.
Virginia has purchased 50% of the rail right-of-way, particularly the eastern half, where most stations are located. The third track will be constructed in sections, tying in with the new Long Bridge over the Potomac River. Ollis detailed the project’s progress, noting that it will be built in pieces through Stafford County toward Quantico.
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Stafford County Supervisor Crystal Vanuch, recognizing the crucial role of the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) in transportation planning, recently reached out seeking data on the teleworking trends among Federal Government employees.
This inquiry, driven by the concern that a significant portion of Virginia Railway Express (VRE) riders are federal employees, underscores the potential impact of a recall to in-person office work on peak-hour traffic congestion along Interstate 95.
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At Fredericksburg, three bridges cross the Rappahannock River to keep traffic flowing at Interstate 95 and points east. West of I-95, the closest bridge is over 40 miles away, increasing congestion and stress for many drivers.
This fueled much discussion at the “Rappahannock River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study,” a Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting.
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This new crossing would provide direct access between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg and help offer a more reliable transportation network including more north/south routes for local traffic and additional routes for emergency responders, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian users, while reducing everyday reliance of trips accessing the I-95 corridor.
At the May 15th, 2023, FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, the committee reviewed and approved a rough draft Purpose and Need statement for a River Crossing Parkway NEPA Alternatives Study. FAMPO staff, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) produced a River Crossing Research Report, which the FAMPO Policy Committee adopted in June 2023. Consultants, Michael Baker International (MBI) were selected to proceed with a River Crossing Parkway Alternatives Study.
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Officials are exploring the possibility of building the bridge as an extension of Commerce Parkway, just off Route 17 in south Stafford County. The bridge would cross the Rappahannock River and could connect to Gordon Shelton Boulevard, near Virginia Credit Union Stadium, where the FredNats play.
The project aims to alleviate local street congestion by establishing a new connection between Fredericksburg and Stafford, upstream from existing bridges carrying Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River.
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Editor's note: Meeting reporter Robert Grimes documented this meeting of the FAMPO Policy Committee. I've used the notes to create this story. Click here and learn more about becoming a meeting reporter and our next training session.
More than 100 people gathered on Monday, May 15, 2023, to speak out on a proposal to build a new bridge linking Fredericksburg and Stafford County over the Rappahannock River.
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Fredericksburg residents will have a chance to weigh in on a new bridge over the Rappahannock River.
The Fredericksburg Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 15, 2023, to discuss the new bridge. FAMPO states a meeting agenda will be posted to its website by Thursday, May 11, 2023.
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Harry Scharpenberg, chairman of the Citizens Transportation Advisory Board, a regional think tank within the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Area Planning Organization, is pitching the outer connector to solve the region's traffic gridlock. On weekends and during rush hours, traffic congestion on I-95 leaves Stafford residents relying on two-lane backroads to get where they're going during peak times.
The outer connector project has been discussed for 30 years and has received off-and-on support. Leaders have considered multiple routes for a bypass road.
![Many identified their houses on the maps around the room and where they sit in relation to where a new Rappahannock River crossing could be built. [Photo: Mike Salmon]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bridge-Mtg-11-1260x739.jpg){kind=link}
![The comment table was a place where residents could share their opinions on a new Rappahannock River crossing. [Photo: Mike Salmon]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bridge-Mtg-2-1260x739.jpg){kind=link}
![The oval-shaped circle is where officials seek to build a new Rappahannock River crossing. [Photo: Mike Salmon]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bridge-Mtg-3-739x840.jpg){kind=link}