Prince William Police Department: “On November 26, a credit card skimming device was located at the 7-Eleven located at 6865 Wellington Road, inside gas pump #7. No additional skimming devices were located at the station. If you used pump #7, please monitor your finances for any fraudulent charges.”

OmniRide will expand its service in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties starting next month.

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Transurban: “Transurban North America, operator of the 95, 395, and 495 Express Lanes, announced today the final access points of the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension will open at 10 p.m. on December 7, 2023, ready for northbound rush hour the morning of December 8, 2023. Completion of the extension creates the longest reversible facility in the nation, with additional access and capacity improvements for the corridor underway.”

“Regional travelers will have new access to the 95 Express Lanes via a reversible ramp from Courthouse Road/Route 630 in Stafford County, and a northbound exit from and southbound entrance to I-95 general purpose lanes near Marine Corps Base Quantico. Access will also be available at the southern terminus for northbound traffic entering from Route 3 and Route 17.”

“The $670 million public-private partnership is generating an estimated 9,000 jobs, has invested over $75 million in small, disadvantaged, and minority- and women-owned businesses, and distributed grant funding to more than 80 local non-profit organizations. Delivering 66% more capacity, the Fredericksburg Extension is used by over 15% of 95 Express Lanes users—one in four of them new to the Express Lanes in the last three years.”

“Additionally, at 10 p.m. on December 7, 2023, the southbound ramp from the I-95 general-purpose lanes to the 95 Express Lanes near Opitz Boulevard Bridge project in Prince William County will be closed permanently. During daytime reversal on December 8, the new southbound Dale Boulevard ramp will open replacing the previous access point.”

The 10-mile I-95 E-ZPass lanes extension from Garrisonville Road to Route 17 on August 17, 2023. Now, drivers with three or more occupants and an E-ZPass Flex transponder affixed to their windshields may ride free on the lanes between Fredericksburg and Washington, D.C.

Vehicles with two fewer occupants and an E-ZPass Flex transponder affixed to their windshields may opt to pay a toll to use the lanes

Update on I-95 tractor-trailer crash

Virginia State Police: At 9:20 p.m., Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 95 at the 143 mile-marker in Stafford County. A tractor-trailer was entering southbound I95 when it overturned on the entrance ramp and came to rest on its driver’s side, blocking the entrance ramp as well as the right lane. As the tractor-trailer overturned it collided with a second tractor-trailer that was traveling southbound. The driver of the overturned tractor-trailer suffered minor injuries and was transported to Stafford Hospital for treatment. The driver of the second tractor-trailer was not injured. All southbound lanes of I-95 were blocked for approximately 1 hour due to debris and fluid spill. Traffic was able to get by on the left shoulder.

Update on fuel spill Route 1 and Hospital Center Boulevard

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: At approximately 6:20 p.m. deputies located gasoline being leaked onto the roadway. A trailer carrying gallons of gasoline was actively leaking. Due to the leak, there were reports of some vehicles losing control of their vehicle; however, there was no injuries. Hospital Center Boulevard between Richmond Highway and Wyche Road, as well as, Richmond Highway between Centreport Parkway and Hospital Center Boulevard were closed down due to the hazardous conditions. Cleanup was properly executed and the roadway was reopened at approximately 2:47 a.m.

Original post

Two incidents in Stafford County tonight are keeping police and highway crews busy.

A tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 95 South blocked all travel lanes at milepost 143 Garrisonville at about 10 p.m. Traffic is getting by on highway shoulders while crews work to clean up the mess.

We don’t have any word yet of injuries or charges filed in the crash.

Meanwhile, about four miles, a significant fuel spill closed Route 1 at Stafford Hospital Boulevard, near the county hospital, just before 7 p.m. Crews were working to clean up the fuel spill, according to Stafford Sheriff’s Maj. Shawn Kimmitz.

We’ll update this post when we have more information about these incidents. Stay tuned.

Virginia Railway Express: “Tickets for the Santa Train will be available starting Monday, November 27 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased for $5 (cash or check) or $6 (credit card).”

“For a list of in-person ticket sales locations, please visit the following link.”

Each year, the tickets sell out in minutes. Santa trains will run on Saturday, December 9, 2023, on both the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines.

I-95 Northbound and Southbound: Exit 104 (Carmel Church): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge maintenance work at mile marker 103.

• Exit 126 (Spotsylvania): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge maintenance work at mile marker 126.
• Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Route 17): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge maintenance work at mile marker 132.

I-95 Northbound: Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Route 17): Tuesday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure in the northbound local lanes for paving at mile markers 130-131.

• Exit 133 (Route 17) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Wednesday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 134-136. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.
• Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Exit 140 (Stafford): Friday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 136-137. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.
• Exit 140 (Stafford) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville): Single lane closure at mile markers 140-142 for construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension on the following days and times:
• Tuesday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., Wednesday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.

I-95 Southbound: Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville)
Tuesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. and Friday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. Varying single and double lane closures with intermittent traffic stops at mile markers 148-146 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.

• 9 p.m. – Single lane closed, 10 p.m. – Two lanes closed, Midnight – 3 a.m. Full intermittent traffic stops for up to 30 min. intervals, 10 a.m. – All lanes open except Friday, when all lanes reopen by 6 a.m. and on Saturday when all lanes reopen by 7 a.m.
• Exit 140 (Stafford) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Tuesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. and Friday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. Varying single and double lane closures with intermittent traffic stops at mile markers 140-138 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.
• 9 p.m. – Single lane closed, 10 p.m. – Two lanes closed, Midnight – 3 a.m. Full intermittent traffic stops for up to 30 min. intervals, 10 a.m. – All lanes open except Friday, when all lanes reopen by 6 a.m. and on Saturday when all lanes reopen by 7 a.m.
• Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Exit 133 (Route 17): Tuesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m.and Friday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 135-133 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.

Stafford County: Route 610 (Garrisonville Road): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Mobile lane closures for pavement marking work between Mine Road and Joshua Road.

• Courthouse Road/Hospital Center Boulevard: Wednesday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Single lane closure between Route 1 and Austin Ridge Drive. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.
• Old Courthouse Road: Wednesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Alternating lane closure between Wyche Road and Route 1 with one-way, alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew. Construction for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension.

—Virginia Department of Transportation

Department of Motor Vehicles: “All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) full-service customer service centers will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday, November 23 through Saturday, November 25, and will reopen on Monday, November 27.”

“During the closure, customers can still access more than 50 services available on our newly revamped website. As Thanksgiving travel ramps up, DMV reminds Virginians to buckle up to stay safe and arrive alive.”

“Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday, 10 people who were unbuckled died in crashes. DMV urges drivers to make sure you and your passengers are buckled up. Visit our website for more information on seat belt safety.”

Virginia State Police: “Virginia’s highways and roads are likely to be crowded this holiday season, as people head out for parties, family trips, and visits with family and friends. While time is precious, rushing to get to your destination may end up meaning not getting there at all. Virginia State Police urge motorists to take a moment, assess the conditions, and give other drivers the correct time and space so that everyone arrives safely at their destination.”

“In 2022, there were 24,633 crashes caused by drivers following another vehicle too closely, 11% of all crashes that occurred on Virginia roadways. Last year, seven people died in Virginia traffic crashes resulting from vehicles following too closely.”

“The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recommends using what is known as the ‘two, three, and four-second rule’ to guide whether you are following behind another vehicle too closely. If you are driving 35 MPH or less, allow two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you are driving 35 to 45 MPH, allow three seconds between vehicles. Four seconds should be allowed between vehicles for speeds above 45 MPH. These times are for dry surfaces. “

“Drivers driving in wet conditions, drowsy conditions or behind a motorcycle or bicycle should add additional time.”

‘Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “Sam’s Pizza, 432 Garrisonville Road, 11/18, 12:39 a.m. Deputy T.G. Croson was at the intersection of Garrisonville Road and Travis Lane when he observed a Mustang attempt to make a U-turn, but instead do a 360-degree slide. Deputy Croson conducted a traffic stop at the nearby pizza joint and made contact with the driver. The 20-year-old driver had clear signs of being intoxicated, a partly consumed Twisted Tea, and five empty Twisted Tea cans. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, drinking and driving, driving after illegally consuming alcohol, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.”

Intersection of Richmond Highway and Garrisonville Road, 11/12, 3:18 a.m. First Sergeant M.R. Flick observed a vehicle stopped at the traffic light. When the vehicle failed to move through multiple green lights, Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen and Deputy J.A. Martin responded to assist in a possible DUI. The driver had clear signs of being intoxicated, including the strong perfume of an alcoholic beverage flowing from his mouth. He was charged with driving under the influence and stopping on a highway. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,000 secured bond.

Intersection of Hospital Center Boulevard and Old Potomac Church Road, 11/17, 3:46 p.m. Hospital staff called in regarding an intoxicated male refusing to leave the lobby. Deputy G.M. Lum happened to be in the area and observed the suspect as he left the hospital. As soon as Deputy Lum began chatting with the suspect, the suspect began to flee. The intoxicated runner did not get far in this turkey trot for Deputy Lum was able to catch up to him and detain him. He was charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail pending his ability to participate in a bond hearing.

TJ Maxx, 1260 Stafford Market Place, 11/17, 6:10 p.m. Sergeant R.S. Dominguez responded to a fight in the parking lot. When he arrived, he made contact with one of the described suspects who advised no fight occurred. While he advised that, he was unsure how much alcohol he consumed. Due to his level of intoxication he was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Genesis Logistics, 705 Bradburn Place, 11/18, 5:32 a.m. Sergeant K.P. Lytle and Deputy C.S. Harding responded to an intoxicated person. Staff advised they wanted an employee to leave after showing up in an intoxicated state, but she was refusing to leave. Deputies made contact with the employee, who was in fact intoxicated. She was arrested for public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

TJ Maxx, 1260 Stafford Market Place, 11/13, 7:15 a.m. Deputy J.L. Jones responded to an auto accident. The driver of the striking vehicle was currently asleep behind the wheel. After he was woken up, he was confused about what occurred despite his vehicle still touching the victim’s vehicle. Due to the driver impeding the investigation, he was charged with obstruction of justice and driving under the influence second offense within five to ten years. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Clarion Inn, 564 Warrenton Road, 11/12, 11:33 p.m. Sergeant M.E. Gordon observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn over a median. Sergeant Gordon conducted a traffic stop as Deputy C.R. Newman responded to assist. The driver, now parked in two parking spots, advised he drank “too much but not enough”. He was correct about the too much part. He was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15 and .2, as well as, making an illegal U-turn. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.