Among its notable features, the project boasts a newly added right-turn lane along Joplin Road leading to northbound U.S. 1, alongside a realigned Fuller Heights Road intersection. This realignment facilitates north and southbound access through the incorporation of a roundabout at the intersection of Fuller Heights Road and Old Triangle Road.
Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-Large of the Board of County Supervisors, expressed gratitude towards the various entities involved in making the project a reality. “You guys have really done an amazing job with this,” remarked Jefferson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m proud to say that these road improvements are a significant step in moving Prince William towards our strategic goal by easing congestion and improving mobility in the Triangle area for residents, local businesses, and our military facilities.”
Andrea Bailey, Potomac District Supervisor, highlighted the project’s multifaceted approach toward enhancing the quality of life in the region. “This project is a small part of the work done and awaiting us to enhance the quality of life in this area,” stated Bailey. “We listened to the concerns of our residents regarding traffic on Joplin accessing Route 1 and I-95 to be safe during peak traffic hours and sharing the work of ensuring our county’s roadways are safe and relieved of traffic congestion.”
Monica Backmon, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), emphasized the significance of collaboration in project completion. “It is rare that a project, regardless of the scope and scale, gets done without several entities coming to the table, collaborating,” noted Backmon. “For the Authority’s part, it was bringing funding. We all collaborate; and not only does this project visualize or really bring to light the collaboration, improved accessibility, safety options, modal options, all of that that you get.”
Terry Yates, Northern Virginia Local Assistance Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), echoed sentiments regarding the importance of collaboration. “People wonder why transportation projects take so long, and it’s just a tremendous amount of collaboration,” remarked Yates. “Years ago, it was mostly technical and engineering, and there are so many other aspects, multimodal, cultural, citizen buy-in, all these things must gel before a project comes together.”
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites public feedback on a series of proposed roadway improvements in Dale City and Woodbridge as part of its Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study. The study focuses on enhancing traffic flow and safety along a stretch of road from Dale Boulevard, across Route 1, to Blackburn Road. This initiative addresses the growing concerns over pedestrian safety and traffic congestion in one of Northern Virginia’s bustling regions.
The STARS study area encompasses nearly two miles, assessing potential improvements on Dale Boulevard (Route 784) from Gideon Drive to Route 1, and Rippon Boulevard (Route 1392) from Route 1 to Blackburn Road. With traffic volumes averaging about 44,000 vehicles per day on Dale Boulevard and 14,000 on Rippon Boulevard, the need for strategic enhancements has become increasingly apparent.
Following a first round of public involvement in July 2023, which gathered community input on corridor priorities, VDOT has now moved to present several design alternatives aimed at transforming these key roadways. These proposals aim to make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians, addressing specific issues identified through traffic analysis and public feedback.
Residents have until March 8, 2024, to review and provide input on these proposals, which focus on key intersections along the Dale and Rippon Boulevards, including:
- Gideon Drive
- Ashdale Plaza
- The southbound I-95 off-ramp
- Neabsco Mills Road/Potomac Center Boulevard
- Route 1
- Forest Grove Drive
Each proposed alternative has been designed to balance reducing traffic congestion, enhancing pedestrian access and safety, and minimizing right-of-way and drainage impacts. The options range from adding additional lanes and turning points to installing high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and improved lighting. Some alternatives also propose innovative solutions, such as converting intersections to thru-cuts or installing traffic signals at key points to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
A notable proposal includes reallocating space on the Dale Boulevard bridge over I-95 to create a wide sidewalk, significantly improving pedestrian access and safety by providing a direct crossing over I-95, a current challenge for pedestrians in the area.
Residents are asked to complete the online survey on the project website.
The study is slated for completion in the fall of 2024, with the current phase of public involvement playing a critical role in shaping the final recommendations.
There have been a total of eight STARS studies in Prince William County over the past eight years, addressing issues on Prince William Parkway, Route 1 and Russel Road at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Sudley Road near Manassas, and Old Bridge Road/Route 123/I-95 in Lake Ridge.
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.
In conjunction with FAMPO, MBI is performing this study as a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) alternatives study for the various crossing options. MBI, in conjunction with FAMPO, will conduct an Open House workshop on March 20th 2024, at the VDOT Auditorium located at 86 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, from 5 pm-7 pm.
This open house is a drop-in style meeting where the community can talk directly with members of the project team about the river crossing options. At the Open House, MBI will present a revised draft Purpose and Need statement, share relevant traffic and environmental data, and the study corridors under development, and solicit public input from the community. The public will be given the opportunity to provide written comments throughout the workshop.
An additional second public meeting will be held in late summer/early fall.
MBI will evaluate the transportation and environmental impacts of alternative alignments within the Project Study Area and will add public input to the transportation and safety needs. Data collection includes assembling existing information, conducting traffic counts and traffic model simulations, and obtaining key stakeholder insights on corridor congestion, safety, public transit, bicycle/pedestrian issues/usage, etc.
In addition, MBI will review project alternatives, comparing environmental and human impacts, costs, and effectiveness. For further information, please email FAMPO at [email protected].
Prince William police: “On February 24 at 11:37PM, officers responded to the area of Minnieville Road and Bobcat Court in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate an unconscious female in the roadway.”
“The investigation revealed that the victim, a 27-year-old female, was walking in the westbound lane of Minnieville Road, wearing all dark clothing, when she was struck by a vehicle. The striking vehicle did not stop at the scene. Fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene where the pedestrian was pronounced deceased.”
“The vehicle is believed to be an unknown model Hyundai. No further information on the driver or striking vehicle is available at this time. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.”
“The deceased pedestrian was identified as Carla Andrea MEJIA, 27, of Woodbridge”
Exit 126 (Spotsylvania)
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Details: Expect single lane closures on both I-95 northbound and southbound, followed by double lane closures between mile markers 125-126 for bridge work. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m.
Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Route 17)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
Details: Prepare for a single lane closure for the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing work.
Exit 140 to 143 (Stafford)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Details: Single lane closure for sign work at mile marker 142.
Exit 148 (Quantico)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
Details: Expect a double lane closure for 95 Express Lanes work between mile markers 147 – 146.
Other Notable Projects in Stafford County
– Route 1 Southbound: Utility work between Little Forest Church Road and Woodstock Lane from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
– Route 3 (Kings Highway) Flyover Ramp Closure: Nightly closure for maintenance work, with passenger vehicles detoured to continue eastbound on Route 3.
– Route 17 Northbound and Southbound: Alternating single lane closures between Short Street and Sanford Drive for construction activities.
Spotsylvania County’s Road Work Highlights
– Route 1 Southbound: Nightly single lane closure between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway for construction.
– Route 2/17 (Tidewater Trail): Single lane closure near Old Farm Road for permit work from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– Route 17 (Mills Drive) at I-95: Traffic shift and temporary traffic pattern starting Wednesday, Feb. 28, to accommodate construction activities.
These projects, facilitated by the Virginia Department of Transportation, aim to enhance safety and improve infrastructure within the region. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution while navigating through work zones.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are set to replace nine drainage pipes located underneath Route 616 (Poplar Road) in Stafford County throughout March. The initiative aims to ensure the installation of new pipes before the road undergoes repaving between Branch Creek Way and Tacketts Mill Road later this year.
Poplar Road will experience closures to through traffic overnight from Sunday to Thursday evenings between March 3 and the morning of March 15. Closure hours will be from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during scheduled work days. Detour signs will be in place to guide motorists along the recommended alternate route.
During the two-week maintenance project, crews will be working at various locations along Poplar Road. Initially, the road will be closed between Route 627 (Mountain View Road) and Route 648 (Stefaniga Road), with the recommended detour route directing traffic via Mountain View Road and Stefaniga Road.
Toward the end of the project, Poplar Road will be closed to through traffic overnight between Mountain View Road and Route 646 (Tacketts Mill Road). Motorists are advised to use Route 612 (Hartwood Road) and Route 662 (Stoney Hill Road) as an alternate route during these closures.
Access to residential driveways along the closed sections of Poplar Road will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.
Work scheduling is contingent upon weather conditions. For the latest updates on lane closures and work zone locations, motorists are encouraged to check 511Virginia before hitting the road.
If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
- Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.
Manassas City Public Works Director Steve Burke presented the annual report for the Public Works department to the Manassas City Council on February 13, 2024. The report highlighted the department’s achievements in 2023 and outlined plans for the future.
Burke, who started in his new role in January 2024, began by acknowledging the contributions of the department’s staff, including Scott Horan, assistant director Steve Schrank, fleet manager Mike Morgan, streets supervisor Doug McCauley, traffic control supervisor Glenn Martin, building and grounds manager Tim Fitzwater, and refuse and recycling coordinator Colleen Burroughs. He provided an overview of the department’s responsibilities, which include maintaining streets, fleets, buildings and grounds, solid waste, and traffic signals, with a total of 58 employees and a budget of approximately $24 million.
Highlights of the department’s accomplishments in 2023 included various street maintenance projects, improvements to sidewalks and trails, installation of pedestrian crossings and traffic signals, implementation of an intern program with Manassas County Public Schools, and efforts to pursue hybrid and electric vehicles for the fleet, resulting in significant fuel savings.
During the presentation, Council members could ask questions and provide feedback. Acting City Manager Douglass Keen commended the department’s efforts to partner with schools. At the same time, Councilman Ralph Smith praised the completion of the fiscal year 2023 paving schedule and asked for clarification on the city’s paving process.
Burke explained that the city works with VDOT’s contractor to assess the condition of streets and prioritize maintenance based on factors such as traffic volume and road conditions. He also outlined plans to include residential streets in future paving schedules, alternating between arterial and residential streets over five years.
Councilman Tom Osina inquired about the city’s capacity to handle increased electric vehicle usage and asked for updates on improvements to electric transmission lines. During the presentation, Councilman Tom Osina raised questions about the city’s capacity to accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) and requested updates on improvements to electric transmission lines.
Burke outlined the city’s efforts to expand electric charging infrastructure. He mentioned that the city met with a contractor to determine the best location for charging stations at the public safety facility. He also confirmed plans to develop contracts with companies for additional charging stations at city facilities and public areas.
Burke also said that the police department had taken delivery of one electric vehicle, with plans for two more to be added to the fleet in the current year. He assured the council that the city is working to identify suitable locations for charging stations to support the growing number of EVs in the community.
Neighboring Prince William County is also looking to expand its EV charging stations, sparking debate among residents.
However, Burke clarified that Public Works does not oversee electric utilities and transmission lines. He deferred to Anna Davis, who previously presented to the council on electric infrastructure improvements. Davis had highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade substations and distribution lines to minimize disruptions and enhance reliability in the city’s electric service.
Councilwoman Pamela Sebesky expressed interest in the five-year paving plan and highlighted the importance of addressing residential road maintenance. Burke emphasized the department’s commitment to prioritizing streets based on need and provided details on crack sealing and future paving plans.
Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna commended recent pedestrian improvements and traffic safety measures. “The new pedestrian improvement on Liberia and Centerville… I’m glad that things are better… So I think that is great for us and for the residents… I know people might be looking at their phone when they’re driving… but I’m glad that things are better,” said Vasquez Luna.
She also sought clarification on snow removal procedures. Burke explained the city’s snow-plowing priorities and emphasized the importance of accessing arterial and secondary roads before addressing residential streets.
Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis praised the department’s efforts in organizing events and maintaining public landscaping. She also inquired about the department’s efforts to promote native plantings and recycling initiatives. “Is there an effort to plant native plants in the public landscaping or drought-free at least plants pollinating?” asked Coates Ellis.
Burke confirmed the city’s commitment to native plantings and provided information on recycling drop-off locations.
If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
- Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.
Rick Canizales, the county’s Director of Transportation, outlined the scope of the improvements during a recent briefing. “We are focused on transforming Route 1 into a more efficient and safer corridor for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This includes widening portions of the road, upgrading traffic signals, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks,” Canizales explained.
Among the notable projects is the widening of Route 1 from Featherstone Road to Mary’s Way, which has been underway for several years and aims to alleviate congestion along this busy section. New pedestrian crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals are also being introduced to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized road users.
Supervisor Margaret Franklin, representing the Woodbridge District, emphasized the community benefits of these projects. “Improvements along Route 1 are critical for our community’s growth and wellbeing. These projects not only address current traffic and safety concerns but also lay the groundwork for future development and connectivity in the area,” Franklin said.
The Route 1 Corridor improvements are part of a broader strategy by Prince William County to modernize its transportation infrastructure and support sustainable growth. With these projects, the county aims to improve its residents’ quality of life and ensure its transportation network’s long-term viability.
“Each project within the Route 1 Corridor is designed with the community in mind. From reducing traffic congestion to enhancing pedestrian safety, our goal is to create a more livable, accessible, and environmentally friendly corridor,” Canizales added.
As these projects progress, county officials engage with the community to gather input and address concerns. The improvements along Route 1 reflect Prince William County’s commitment to creating a more connected and sustainable transportation system that meets the needs of its diverse population.
If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
- Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.
"We're looking to expand our EV charging capabilities significantly," Canizales stated. "This initiative not only supports our commitment to environmental sustainability but also anticipates the future needs of our community."
Despite the county's forward-thinking approach, the decision has sparked debate among residents over the financing of the project. Karl Greten, a resident of the Gainesville District, voiced strong opposition to using taxpayer dollars for the installation of EV charging stations.
