Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is optimistic about increasing its ridership by introducing Saturday service.
The commuter railroad's CEO, Rich Dalton, told Potomac Local News that he anticipates adding 5,000 and 7,000 new passengers once the Saturday service starts later this year. While the agency budgeted for the new service late last year, its Operations Board is set to vote on its implementation next month.
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Amtrak is launching a sale for travelers looking to avoid Interstate 95 and opt for a trip aboard Auto Train. Through July 31, 2024, customers can book Coach Class for as low as $75, plus the cost of a vehicle. Children ages two through 12 ride free in Coach Class or First Class private rooms.
The cost to transport a vehicle on the Amtrak Auto Train varies based on the type of vehicle. For standard cars, the cost starts at $208. Extended vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and larger SUVs, are priced at $239. Motorcycles can be transported for $146. Additionally, there is a $60 charge for priority offloading, which ensures your vehicle is among the first 30 to be unloaded upon arrival.
Guests traveling in Coach Class have wide, reclining seats with legroom, no middle seat, and a large window. A complimentary continental breakfast is served before arrival.
Travelers can upgrade to a First Class room for extra comfort and privacy. Accommodation options include a Roomette with two seats that convert into beds, or a Bedroom with twice the space of a Roomette, an in-room sink, restroom, and shower. First Class customers receive priority boarding, a dedicated attendant, and complimentary meals onboard.
This offer is valid for sale from May 21, 2024, through July 31, 2024, and for travel from May 24 to September 2, 2024. The discount is available for travel between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla. A three-day advance purchase is required.
The Amtrak Auto Train offers daily, non-stop service between Lorton and Sanford, Fla. (near Orlando). Customers can travel with various types of vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles. This train eliminates nearly 900 miles of driving between the Northeast and Florida.
I-95 Northbound: Exit 110 (Ladysmith) to Exit 118 (Thornburg): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile marker 117 for bridge washing at Matta River.
- Exit 118 (Thornburg) to Exit 126 (Spotsylvania): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile marker 119 for bridge washing at Po River.
- Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile marker 121 for bridge washing at Ni River.
- Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Bridge work. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. between mile markers 125-126. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Construction of a new overpass of I-95 at Route 17 (Mills Drive).
- Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure at mile marker 126 for bridge washing of Route 1 overpass.
- Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure in the local and through lanes of the Rappahannock River bridges and the Route 17 overpasses. Bridge washing.
- Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) to Exit 148 (Quantico): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. Bridge joint repairs at mile marker 145 over Aquia Creek.
I-95 Southbound: Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closure at 10 p.m. Bridge joint repairs at mile marker 145 over Aquia Creek.
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Well, partner, there's a project in the works to shore up a slope that holds up Route 608, also known 'round these parts as Brooke Road, in Stafford County. This here project stretches between Camp Geary Lane and Marlborough Point Road, and it'll be underway from late May through July 2024.
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A new VA hospital in Spotsylvania County, set to open in March 2025, is generating significant concern about traffic congestion in the area.
The hospital, located along Route 1 near the I-95 corridor at Exit 126, just south of Fredericksburg, is expected to increase traffic flow and potentially cause congestion on the already busy roadways.
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As the busy Memorial Day travel period begins, travelers should be aware of the risk of severe weather on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24. A deep upper trough tracking across Quebec will bring a series of lower amplitude waves to the Mid-Atlantic region. A slow-moving cold front is expected to push through the area from midday into the evening hours on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Weather conditions will be ripe for severe thunderstorms.
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Well, partner, if the weather holds up, there’s gonna be some northbound lane closures on I-95 this Friday night, May 17. If things don’t pan out, they’ll give it another go on Saturday night, May 18. This here’s happening ‘round mile marker 155, between the Dale City Truck-Only Safety Rest Area North and Cardinal Drive, all thanks to some work on the Powells Creek bridge, according to the folks at the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Here’s how it’s gonna shake out (one lane’ll always be open, so don’t fret too much):
– From 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 17, they’re closin’ down one lane.
– Then from 11 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 18th, it’ll be down to two lanes closed.
– Come 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday, it’ll go back to one lane closed.
If they need more time:
– On Saturday, May 18, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., one lane’ll be closed.
– From 11 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, May 19, two lanes’ll be closed.
– Finally, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, May 19, one lane’ll be closed again.
Once they’re all done, the northbound lanes will be shifted left along the bridge over Powells Creek until summer rolls around.
Folks should be ready for delays and might want to think about takin’ another route.
These closures are for the last bit of millin’ and pavin’, plus puttin’ down permanent stripes on the northbound lanes as part of the I-95 over Powells Creek Bridge Rehabilitation Project. This here project is all about makin’ things safer and stretchin’ the life of the northbound and southbound lanes over Powells Creek. Those bridges were first built way back in 1963, fixed up in 1976, and widened in 1981 and 1996.
They’re mendin’ steel beams, concrete abutments and piers, replacin’ bearings, closin’ deck joints, and givin’ the bridges a fresh coat of paint. Plus, they’re resurfacin’ the deck of the northbound lanes bridge. They aim to wrap this up by summer.
The investigation revealed the victim, a 32-year-old woman, and her 5-year-child were traveling in the above area when they were involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle, later identified as the accused.
During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm at the victim’s vehicle before the parties separated. No shots were fired. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Edwin Dale SIMS, was arrested.
Arrested on May 15:
Edwin Dale SIMS, 73, of 2676 Cast Off Lp. in Woodbridge is charged with two counts of brandishing a firearm. His court date is pending | Bond: $1,000 Unsecured.
Well, howdy there, folks! According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, there's some news brewin' 'bout Piper Lane (Route 660) stretchin' from Route 28, which some call Nokesville Road, all the way down to Observation Road, near the Manassas Regional Airport. They're fixin' to close'er down, weather permitting, from 8 p.m. come Friday, May 17, 'til 5 a.m. on Monday, May 20. They're aimin' to mend some culvert pipes and stretch 'em a bit.
