Virginia State Police are currently investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Stafford County. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 16, at 1:45 a.m., on Interstate 95 at the 146-mile marker, near Garrisonville Road.
According to Virignia State Police Sgt. Brent Coffey, a 2012 Nissan Altima, driven by Lord Elsun J. Warren of Fredericksburg, Va., was heading south on I-95 when it veered off the left side of the roadway and collided with a jersey wall.
Warren, the driver of the Nissan, suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Stafford Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. It’s noted that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities consider speed as a contributing factor to the crash.
“The Federal Highway Administration’s new rules for the road manual says highway signs should be simple, direct and avoid wording “intended to be humorous,” Axios’ Shauneen Miranda reports. States have two years to comply with the rules, reports Karri Peifer at Axios Richmond. “VDOT started using “themed messages” in April 2017, according to an agency report, and has given Virginians highway sign gems like Wakanda Driver are you? Safety is King. Awwww Snap! Your Seat Belt! Get Your Head out of Your Apps.”
“One of the bills to watch for Virginia’s 2024 legislative session — legislation that would have repealed the 2021 law tying the commonwealth’s vehicle emissions standards to California’s — died in a Senate committee this week,” reports Morgan Sweeney at The Center Square. “Senate Republicans attempted to persuade the committee not only of the infeasibility of California’s electric vehicle laws for Virginia due to EVs’ higher price tags, mechanical flaws and lack of demand, but of the injustice of allowing California’s policies to dictate Virginia’s.”
As Fredericksburg city grows, the local bicycling community grows along with it.
Recently, the city opened a section of trail near Watts Reservoir, linking nearby trail segments that will enable bicyclists to safely access the lake while, at the same time, allowing the city’s bike paths to become an integral part of the recreation facilities available to the residents.
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During a city council meeting on January 8, 2o24, after the city's utility agency presented its annual report, Coates Ellis revealed that 120 purple street lights need replacement. She said this phenomenon is not unique to Manassas, as similar occurrences have been reported nationally, in Canada, and even in Ireland.
Coates Ellis said multiple residents have complained about the discolored lights, as they fail to illuminate dark areas properly.
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Delegate Candi Mundon King (D-Prince William, Stafford) introduced two bills in the General Assembly Session that deal with transportation.
The first would cap the total amount of tolls drivers pay on the E-ZPass Express Lanes in the state to $200 per month. The bill would also allow disabled military veterans to use the lanes at no charge.
HB811 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation. Delegates Nadarius E. Clark (D-Suffolk) and Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) are co-patrons.
King’s second bill, HB812, would bar the DMV from issuing any license plates that reference the “Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, or any other prominent Confederate leader.”
Virignia offers license plates commemorating Confederate General Robert E. Lee, a native Virginian, and a plate for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The House Transportation Committee meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. during the session through March 10, 2024.
Locally, Delegates Brianna Sewell (D-Prince William) and Paul Milde (R-Stafford) sit on the committee.
King also chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns in the 2024 General Assembly Session.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responding to snowfall over the past 24 hours in the Fredericksburg area and western regions of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Crews are applying sand and salt to roads, bridges, ramps, and overpasses to enhance traction and minimize icing as pavement temperatures decrease.
Currently, Interstate 95 and primary roads in Fredericksburg and the surrounding district are still clear. However, a VDOT spokeswoman anticipates that this situation will change rapidly as snowfall persists throughout the evening and overnight.
The forecast for the night includes ongoing snow, with a slight possibility of freezing drizzle and sleet as the storm moves northward. The potential for freezing drizzle and sleet is foreseen west of Fredericksburg.
Motorists are advised to avoid travel during adverse weather conditions, as treated roads may still be icy and slippery. Delaying travel until the storm subsides and road conditions improve is recommended. Before embarking on a trip, individuals are encouraged to check road conditions on 511Virginia for the entire route, as conditions may vary across regions. Additionally, staying informed about the latest weather forecasts through various sources is essential.
VDOT crews are on a 24-hour mobilization schedule, working 12-hour shifts until all roads are deemed safe for travel. Plowing operations will commence once snow accumulates two inches on road surfaces. In the Fredericksburg area along I-95, a fleet of 190 trucks and over a dozen monitors, supported by over 400 pieces of VDOT state forces and contractor equipment, is dedicated to treating and plowing roads along state-maintained primary and secondary routes.
Interstate highways are VDOT’s first focus when it comes to snow removal. Primary and major secondary roads with essential emergency and public facilities or high traffic volumes will be cleared, followed by low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets after higher-priority routes are addressed and additional resources become available.
Virginia Railway Express: “The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget received final approval Thursday evening, as the second of its two parent commissions voted to adopt the budget and accompanying six-year capital improvement program (CIP).”
“VRE’s FY 2025 operating budget totals $119.9 million, which includes operations, maintenance, and existing debt service. This is an increase of $11.0 million or 10 percent over the FY 2024 operating budget. The budget includes increases to fares of 5 percent and jurisdictional contributions of 14 percent. Both take effect July 1. VRE’s last broad-based fare increase was 3 percent in FY 2020.”
“The budget allows for the first-ever operation of VRE Saturday service, eliminates fares for those ages 18 and under, and simplifies fare payment options. Agreements with VRE’s host railroads – Amtrak, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern – must be reached before Saturday service can begin.”
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National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington: “With the Arctic cold front tracking through, Wind Advisories have been issued for much of the area. Otherwise, snow showers persist along the Alleghenies, while some may impact areas north of I-70. This week brings cold weather and chances for light snow. “
Tonight
A slight chance of snow after 1 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 23. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
M.L.King Day
A chance of snow, mainly between 10 am and 1 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday Night
Snow likely, mainly after 1 am. Cloudy, with a low around 27. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tuesday
A chance of snow before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
VDOT Fredericksburg: “Interstate 95 travelers in the Fredericksburg area may encounter brief delays today as a mobile operation of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews pre-treat the interstate with a brine solution ahead of light snow forecast for Monday, Jan. 15. Pre-treatment will begin around 9 a.m. today and continue through the day until complete on Interstate 95 northbound and southbound between exits 98 (Route 30/Doswell) and 150 (Route 619/Triangle).”
“Virginia State Police will escort the slow-moving equipment to ensure tanker trucks applying the brine and crash cushion trucks can travel together. Tanker trucks travel at slower speeds to spray the brine solution on the road with precision, and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.”
