FAMPO

Fredericksburg

FAMPO Advances Rappahannock River Crossing Despite Spotsylvania Concerns

By Potomac Local News
A view of newly erected pylons that will hold a bridge that will carry I-95 travelers across the Rappahannock River. [Photo: Susie Webb/PLN]

On June 16, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Policy Committee approved Resolution 2550, selecting Option C—a route connecting Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard in Fredericksburg—as the preferred corridor. The approval allows consultants to complete cost estimates and finalize documents ahead of a federally required environmental review (NEPA).

Fredericksburg officials supported Option C with a 6-1 vote, and Stafford County unanimously endorsed it. Spotsylvania County declined to endorse a specific route, raising concerns about potential impacts on local roads such as Fall Hill Avenue, Bragg Road, and River Road.

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Fredericksburg

Stafford Leans Toward New Bridge Plan to Ease Traffic Woes

By Uriah Kiser
Overlooking Fredericksburg, the Chatham Bridge, and the Rappahannock River.

Stafford County leaders are preparing to take a major step toward easing long-standing regional traffic woes.

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Stafford

Stafford Loses a Seat on VRE Board as Ridership Math Shifts

By Potomac Local News
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Stafford County will lose one of its two seats on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board beginning July 1, 2025, after new ridership data showed other jurisdictions posted slightly greater gains in boardings. 🚉

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Fredericksburg

Two Routes Rise to the Top for New Rappahannock River Bridge, Say FAMPO Planners

By Potomac Local News
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Two potential river crossing corridors have emerged as frontrunners in the effort to ease regional congestion and strengthen north-south connectivity across the Rappahannock River, according to FAMPO staff recommendations presented Monday, May 19.

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Fredericksburg

CTAC Endorses New Route for Rappahannock River Crossing; Regional Vote Set for June 16

By Potomac Local News
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

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Fredericksburg

Stafford Pushes for Western Road Network as Tensions Rise Over Regional Bridge Plans

By Uriah Kiser
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

As Stafford County leaders push forward with plans for a Western Road Network to relieve congestion west of Interstate 95, tensions continue to rise over the future of a proposed Rappahannock River crossing.

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Fredericksburg

New Rappahannock River Crossing Study Survey Now Open

By Aya Karouane
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

Press Release:

FAMPO’s River Crossing Parkway Study Survey is now open until January 3rd, 2025! If you drive, walk, or roll in the Fredericksburg region, you can make an impact on how transportation develops by providing feedback during public comment periods. You are invited to provide feedback on the River Crossing Parkway Study by completing our online survey. To view the presentation boards used during our November 20th River Crossing Study Public Meeting, please click here.

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Fredericksburg

Another Hurdle Crossed for Proposed Rappahannock River Bridge

By Mike Salmon
Finding a particular street in relation to the plans was the first step.

Fredericksburg officials used map boards and statistics to present potential plans for another bridge across the Rappahannock River at a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

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Fredericksburg

River Crossing Parkway Study Open House November 20

By Potomac Local News
Photo: VDOT

Press release:

Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) is working towards an eventual National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) certification for a river crossing bridge and parkway west of I-95, across the Rappahannock River. This new crossing would provide direct access between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg West of I-95 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.

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News

Fredericksburg and Stafford Prepare for Major Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

By Uriah Kiser
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

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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