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A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:39 p.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 151 in Prince William County.

A 2020 Lexus RX, stopped on the right shoulder, was struck by a 2022 Ford F-250 that veered off the road. The impact sent the Lexus into a guardrail before it re-entered traffic lanes and stopped facing oncoming vehicles.

The Lexus driver, Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, Va., died at the scene. His passenger, Shannon S. Lee, 25, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts.

More in a press release:

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2025) at 2:39 p.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 95 southbound at the 151-mile marker in Prince William County.

A 2020 Lexus RX was stopped on the right shoulder of the express lanes when it was struck by a 2022 Ford F-250 that had gone off of the right side of the road.  After being struck, the Lexus hit the guardrail and then went back into the travel lanes, where it stopped, facing traffic.

The driver of the Lexus, Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, Va. died at the scene.  He was wearing a seatbelt.  A passenger, Shannon S. Lee, 25, suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.  She was also wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Ford F-250, Jeremy S. Kubela, 43, of Fredericksburg, Va., was not injured.  He has been charged with reckless driving.

The crash remains under investigation.
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Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

In Fredericksburg, Wellford Street will see waterline work from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with flaggers alternating one-way traffic between Route 1 and Wallace Street.

Spotsylvania County will experience significant road work on Route 1 northbound and southbound. Alternating single and double lane closures are planned from Sunday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway. Additional projects include ongoing construction along Route 1 near the Kalahari Resorts development and improvements on Lawyers Road, Harrison Road, Massaponax Church Road, and Southpoint Parkway. These projects involve lane closures, guardrail work, waterline installations, and safety enhancements such as new pedestrian signals.

In Stafford County, Route 1 will have right lane closures between American Legion Road and Spring Valley Drive from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for fiber installation. On Route 17 northbound, intermittent right lane closures will occur between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road, while southbound Route 17 will see similar closures between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road. Berea Church Road remains closed for improvements, with a detour in place. Several subdivisions, including Blake Farm, Willows, and Winslow Heights, will undergo shoulder work following resurfacing.

Drivers are advised to expect delays in these areas and plan their travel accordingly. Emergency repairs, bridge work, and large-scale projects in progress throughout the region are aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing safety for all commuters.

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A speeding incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday, January 21, 2025, on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein.

At 11:33 a.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a silver sedan traveling northbound on I-95 near the 157-mile marker in Prince William County for speeding—clocked at 93 mph in a 60-mph zone. The driver refused to stop, prompting a police pursuit.

During the chase, the sedan struck the mirror of another vehicle, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The pursuit continued onto eastbound Interstate 495 and ultimately ended at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, marking the Maryland state line. At that point, the pursuit was terminated.

Virginia State Police have not released additional details about the driver or whether charges are pending.

Hat tip to Potomac Local News sponsor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty—the best darn realtor in Northern Virginia—for tipping us off to this story while on his way to meet a client.

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Interstate 95 near Route 17 in Stafford County. [VDOT]
Here’s the latest update on roadwork and lane closures in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg. All projects are weather-permitting, and up-to-date information is available at 511.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.

Stafford County

  • Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Location: Between South Campus Boulevard and Spring Valley Drive.
    • Purpose: Fiber installation under permit.
  • Route 3 (Kings Highway)
    • Lane Closures: Sunday–Thursday, 9 p.m.–6 a.m.
    • Location: Bridge over railroad tracks between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road.
    • Purpose: Bridge repairs.
  • Route 17 Southbound
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Location: Between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road.
    • Purpose: Waterline and sewer line installation under permit.
  • Route 17 Northbound
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Location: Between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road.
    • Purpose: Fiber installation under permit.
  • Berea Church Road
    • Closure: From Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place.
    • Purpose: Road improvements for a Stafford County project.

Spotsylvania County

  • Route 1
    • Lane Alignment Shift: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Location: Between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road.
    • Purpose: Road improvement connected to the Kalahari Resorts development.
  • Route 620 (Harrison Road)
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    • Location: Between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road.
    • Purpose: Water main installation under permit.
  • I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp
    • Lane Closures: Sunday–Saturday, 7 p.m.–10 a.m.
    • Location: Off-ramp to Route 1.
    • Purpose: Construction to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane.
  • Spotsylvania Parkway
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
    • Location: At intersections with Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak/Yellow Brinch Drive.
    • Purpose: Pedestrian signal installation.

Fredericksburg

  • Route 1 Business (Lafayette Boulevard)
    • Lane Closures: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.–Noon.
    • Location: Between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street.
    • Purpose: Construction of a shared-use path.
  • Route 1 Intersection Improvements
    • Locations: Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street, and Hanson Avenue.
    • Purpose: Long-term improvements with completion by June 2026.
  • Route 1 over Rappahannock River (Falmouth Bridge)
    • Northbound Lane Closure: Ongoing.
    • Purpose: Emergency bridge repairs

Stay informed about traffic impacts by checking 511.VDOT.Virginia.Gov. For ridesharing options, visit GWRideConnect or call (540) 373-7665.

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Photo: VDOT

On November 19, 2024, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously (7-0) to adopt the 2024 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) as an appendix to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. This update lays the foundation for long-term transportation improvements, addressing existing and future needs through a strategic, phased approach.

The Transportation Master Plan was initiated in 2022 at the direction of the Board of Supervisors. The plan aligns with Stafford County’s Strategic Priorities and builds on transportation studies and community input. A major component is its performance-based approach, which prioritizes projects to maximize safety, reduce congestion, and improve multimodal accessibility.

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On November 16, 2024, an intoxicated driver caused a head-on collision on Interstate 95 near Quantico, resulting in one fatality and leaving a passenger hospitalized with severe injuries. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the survivor with medical expenses, therapy, and other needs during his recovery from both physical and emotional trauma.

GoFundMe Description:

On 11/16/2024 at 4:04 am, a devastating accident occurred on I-95S near Quantico when an intoxicated wrong-way driver collided head-on with a Chevrolet. The crash tragically claimed the life of Patrick Ledoux, a beloved son, friend, and confidant, and left Dylan Lester, his best friend, hospitalized with numerous injuries. They were on their way to a hunting trip that they both had been excitedly preparing for together.

Dylan is now facing a long and painful road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. While he works to heal from his injuries, he is also mourning the profound loss of his best friend. Patrick was a key soul in Dylan’s walk of life, and a significant member of Dylan’s chosen family. This is a loss that is beyond comprehension.

We are setting up this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden on Dylan during this difficult time. The funds raised will go toward his medical expenses, physical therapy, counseling, and any other needs as he navigates life after this tragedy.

No one should have to face this kind of loss and hardship alone. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign, will make a world of difference in Dylan’s journey to healing.

Thank you for standing by Dylan and helping him rebuild his life. Together, we can provide the strength and support he needs.

If you would like more information, please click here to read the accident news coverage

With gratitude,

Jon & Grace Lester
(Brother and sister-in-law of Dylan)

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