The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the app’s effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
What Is the ParkZen App?
ParkZen uses crowdsourcing technology to provide users with parking availability updates. Unlike traditional parking systems reliant on sensors, ParkZen counts a sampling of mobile phones in parking lots, using advanced algorithms to estimate vehicle occupancy. To participate, users download the app and grant location permissions.
Joel Ticatch, Vice President of Consulting at Kapsch TrafficCom which advises VDOT on this project, emphasized the app’s goal: “It helps travelers determine ahead of time whether parking is available at selected commuter lots.” This feature aims to address pre-pandemic parking challenges and encourage commuters to use transit or rideshare options.
Pilot Locations
The pilot includes six commuter lots, chosen for their strategic locations and varied configurations:
- Prince William County: Horner Road commuter lot
- Stafford County: Brooke and Leeland Road Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station lots
- Fairfax County: Saratoga and Stringfellow Road lots
- Fairfax County: Backlick Road VRE station lot
Encouraging Usage and Privacy Protection
While participation in the app is voluntary, Ticatch highlighted the benefits of user engagement, including access to parking availability and other lot features. He reassured users about data privacy, stating that ParkZen is contractually prohibited from selling user data to third parties.
The pilot is part of VDOT’s Regional Multimodal Mobility Program (RM3P), which integrates advanced technologies to improve transportation options. Future plans may include dynamic incentives, such as discounts on parking or transit for app users who adjust their travel habits.
If the pilot succeeds, VDOT plans to expand the program to over 50 commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, creating a more seamless parking and commuting experience for residents.
Ticatch underscored the importance of innovation in transportation, citing VDOT’s use of the Innovative Technology Transportation Fund to test forward-thinking solutions. “Not everything may succeed,” he noted, “but the goal is to push boundaries and find ways to better serve commuters.”
For those interested, the ParkZen app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Commuters are encouraged to download the app and contribute to shaping the future of commuting in the region.
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.
(The Center Square) – Changing the name of Dulles International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport has been proposed by freshman Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican from North Carolina.
Rep. McDowell, 31, who represents the 6th Congressional District, introduced the bill alongside Reps. Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), and Guy Resand Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.).
“It is only right that the two airports servicing our nation’s capital are duly honored and respected by two of the best presidents to have the honor of serving our great nation,” McDowell said.
Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are the primary airports serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Dulles is named after John Foster Dulles, secretary of state under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. The airport, originally constructed for $108.3 million on 10,000 acres in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, was dedicated on November 17, 1962. An additional 830 acres were acquired 20 years ago. More than 26 million passengers used Dulles in the 12 months ending in November, according to the latest available statistics.
Jack, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, stated that the effort aims to counter what he described as attempts to “cancel” President Trump during his post-presidency. “This legislation will cement his status in our nation’s capital as our fearless commander-in-chief, extraordinary leader, and relentless champion for the American people,” added Reschenthaler in a release from McDowell’s office.
Reagan National Airport, smaller than Dulles with 58 gates compared to 113, is located on 860 acres in Virginia. It originally opened in 1941 as National Airport. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation authored by Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) to rename the airport in honor of President Ronald Reagan. Reagan National also served over 26 million passengers in the same 12-month period ending in November. Together, Dulles and Reagan National airports handled a combined total of 53.1 million passengers during that time, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
Safety and Traffic Flow Concerns
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
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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.
The Prince William County Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash that initially closed all southbound and northbound lanes of Dumfries Road. Motorists were advised to find alternate routes as police worked to investigate and clear the scene.
Police reported that one lane in each direction had been reopened. Police continue investigating the crash, and drivers are urged to exercise caution while traveling through the area and follow police directions.
The extent of the injuries remains unknown at this time. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees.
The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes significant decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
Legislative Review
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Board will spend considerable time mulling over nearly 40 bills currently before the Virginia General Assembly. These bills address a wide range of topics, including:
- Clean Energy: HB 36 proposes studying barriers to clean energy purchases by local governments.
- Transportation and Safety: HB 462 calls for expanded tractor-trailer parking along major corridors, and HB 2041 focuses on speed safety camera placements.
- Data Centers: Multiple bills, including HB 1601, SB 899, and HB 2026, address issues like energy use, noise abatement, and proximity to parks and schools.
- Affordable Housing: HB 1701 and SB 2603 propose incentives and zoning changes to expand housing opportunities.
- Environmental Initiatives: HB 2050 introduces a program to reduce PFAS in the Occoquan Reservoir, while SB 839 focuses on by-right multifamily development in commercial zones.
The Board’s deliberations aim to ensure that local perspectives are represented in state policymaking, reflecting priorities such as economic growth, environmental preservation, and community safety.
Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates on the outcomes of this meeting.
OmniRide commuter buses and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) have released their service schedules for Monday, January 20, 2025, coinciding with both the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Riders are encouraged to plan as services will be adjusted.
OmniRide Service Schedule for January 20, 2025
- OmniRide Express: No Service
- OmniRide Metro Express: Regular schedules to both Franconia-Springfield and Tysons. Rides will be free.
- OmniRide Local & East-West Express: Regular Service
- OmniRide Access Paratransit & OmniRide Connect Microtransit: Regular Service
OmniRide’s Metro Express offers convenient and cost-free travel for commuters heading to Franconia-Springfield and Tysons, ensuring smooth transportation during this special day.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Service Schedule
VRE will operate an “S” schedule on Monday, January 20. This means only the trains marked with an “S” on the VRE schedule will run. Riders should review the schedule in advance to confirm which trains will operate.
Virginia Railway Express is a commuter rail service connecting Northern Virginia to Washington, D.C. The system operates along two lines: the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line, providing a critical transit option for residents commuting into the nation’s capital. With its focus on safety, reliability, and comfort, VRE is a popular choice for weekday commuters in the region.
Both OmniRide and VRE riders should anticipate potential delays due to inaugural activities and associated road closures. For more information:
- OmniRide Customer Service: 703-730-6664
- VRE Service Updates: Visit vre.org
Take advantage of these services to travel efficiently and stress-free on Inauguration Day.
