The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking feedback from residents and travelers on a Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study assessing potential safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Hoadly Road (Route 642) between Route 234 (Dumfries Road) and Prince William Parkway (Route 294).
Hoadly Road, a key corridor in Prince William County, carries an average of 25,000 vehicles per day with a posted speed limit of 50 mph. The STARS study aims to identify potential improvements to enhance traffic flow, increase safety, and support multimodal transportation in the area.
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Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Off-RampSunday – Saturday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on the off-ramp from I-95 southbound to Route 1. Construction is ongoing to widen the ramp and build an additional right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.
City of Fredericksburg
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Updated 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 5 – As another major snowstorm blankets Stafford County with over six inches of snow on February 11, 2025, local officials are grappling with Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) depleted snow removal budget, which was exhausted by a previous winter storm on January 5–6.
During a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2025, VDOT Residency Administrator Kyle Bates delivered a stark warning about the agency’s financial limitations.
“That money is gone. It’s gone. Our snow budget was that one storm,” Bates said.
The January 5–6, 2025 storm, known as Storm Blair, was a major winter weather event that severely impacted the region. Stafford County received up to 8 inches of snow, while Fredericksburg recorded between 5 and 6.3 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm led to hazardous road conditions, multiple traffic incidents, and widespread travel disruptions. Reagan National Airport reported more than 200 flight cancellations due to the heavy snowfall.
VDOT’s Winter Weather Response & Budget
While VDOT’s initial snow removal budget has been exhausted, the agency has emphasized that it allocates resources as needed to respond to severe weather, regardless of initial estimates.
“VDOT estimates what will be spent each year on snow removal based on storms in prior years, but it is an estimate,” a VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon explained. “It is used for planning purposes within the agency’s overall maintenance budget, but VDOT will always devote the resources needed to respond to severe weather.”
For the February 11–12 storm, VDOT mobilized staff and equipment at Level 5, its highest response level, to match the forecasted six or more inches of snow in the Fredericksburg area.
VDOT has a statewide weather response budget of $222 million for the 2024–2025 winter season, slightly higher than the $220 million allocated for the 2023–2024 season. However, funding is distributed based on district-specific equipment needs, historical weather trends, and overall maintenance priorities.
“Each district has an estimated budget for weather response within this larger number, but it is a planning tool. Needs fluctuate district to district each year, and the maintenance budget is intended to support needs statewide,” Hannon continued.
Ongoing Challenges for Snow Removal
With the February 11 storm continuing to impact local roads, residents are expressing concerns about how VDOT will handle additional snowfall.
During the meeting, Bates acknowledged the difficulty of plowing secondary and residential roads, stating that VDOT had to bring in additional motor graders from across Virginia during the January 5–6 storm due to the extreme ice accumulation.
“Motor graders were brought in from across Virginia to clear compacted snow and ice,” Bates said.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Beyond the immediate challenge of winter weather, Bates also updated the board on critical road infrastructure projects, including:
- Falmouth Bridge (Route 1 over the Rappahannock River), where northbound lanes remain closed due to structural concerns, with emergency repairs underway.
- Leland Road (Route 626) widening project, scheduled for 2028, to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access.
- Pedestrian safety improvements, including new crossings at Prim Road, Plantation Drive, and Parkway Boulevard.
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.
Kelly Hannon, spokesperson for VDOT’s Fredericksburg District, emphasized the challenges faced by crews during the storm. “Our teams have been making repeated passes since it started snowing around midnight,” Hannon said. “We’ve focused on major routes like I-95, Route 1, Route 17, and Route 610 to ensure access to critical areas, including public safety facilities.”
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Two Waves of Snow and More to Come
While a brief lull in snowfall provided some respite, Hannon warned against complacency. “We’re expecting another 4 to 6 inches of snow this afternoon and evening,” she said. “Crews will return to primary routes and the interstate to keep them traversable for emergency personnel and those who must travel.”
VDOT’s priority is to push as much snow as possible off the travel lanes and shoulders before temperatures drop below 20 degrees tonight. A significant refreeze is expected, which could make snow removal even more difficult. Hannon noted that while the light, fluffy snow moves easily with plows, the incoming frigid temperatures create icy conditions that pose serious hazards.
When asked to grade drivers on their adherence to VDOT’s plea to stay off the roads, Hannon said, “We’ve seen a lot of people staying home, and we’re very grateful. If everyone can stick with us a little longer through the rest of tonight, it will help our crews tremendously.” She added that venturing out too soon could lead to treacherous driving conditions as snow continues to fall.
VDOT’s approach prioritizes the roads with the highest traffic volumes. “Interstate 95 comes first, followed by alternate routes like Route 1, and then primary roads connecting to the interstate,” Hannon explained. Secondary roads and residential streets are addressed later. “We will get to everyone,” she assured. However, due to the storm’s scale and low temperatures, residents shouldn’t expect bare pavement immediately.
VDOT has mobilized more than 900 pieces of snow removal equipment to tackle the storm. “This is a huge responsibility,” Hannon said. “Our staff and contractors train year-round for events like this. Their dedication to serving the community is immense, and we couldn’t do this without our contractor partners who join us during the winter.”
Storm totals
Here are the snow totals from highest to lowest for these areas, as reported by the National Weather Service and trained spotters:
Prince William County
- Nokesville: 8.5 inches
- Dale City: 7.6 inches
- Woolsey (1 SW): 6.3 inches
- Dale City: 6.0 inches
- Triangle: 6.0 inches
Stafford County
- Arkendale : 8.0 inches
- Stafford: 7.5 inches
- Holly Corner : 6.0 inches
Fredericksburg
- Dunavant (1 S): 6.0 inches
Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates and more stories about the community’s response to this winter storm.
Residents across Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge should brace for what could be the most significant winter storm in years, with snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches forecasted. The storm is set to begin Sunday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain through Monday and potentially into early Tuesday.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, mobilizing state resources to prepare for hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service reports that the storm’s impact will depend on its track, with a northern trajectory bringing more ice and a southern track resulting in heavier snow across the area.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has activated its highest level of preparedness. “We’re mobilizing more than 900 pieces of equipment and have pre-treated major roadways, including Interstate 95, with brine to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces,” said Kelly Hannon of VDOT’s Fredericksburg District. Crews are also staging towing equipment along major routes to quickly address incidents.
Travel Warnings and Road Preparations
VDOT urges residents to complete all essential travel by Sunday and avoid driving during the storm. “Staying off the roads not only ensures your safety but allows our crews to clear snow and ice effectively,” Hannon emphasized. The storm is expected to bring snow at rates of up to an inch per hour, with periods of sleet and freezing rain complicating road conditions. Frigid temperatures following the storm could prolong icy conditions, hindering recovery efforts.
Lessons from the Past
Memories of the January 2022 snowstorm that stranded motorists on Interstate 95 loom large for hours. Hannon stressed the importance of staying home during hazardous weather, as treacherous conditions can halt even the most prepared response teams.
VDOT plans to prioritize interstates and primary roads but acknowledges that secondary streets may take longer to clear. Residents can track road-clearing progress through VDOT’s online resources.
As the storm approaches, Potomac Local News will provide updates on closures, travel conditions, and recovery efforts. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to our email newsletter or follow us online for the latest information.
Officials urge everyone to heed warnings and prepare for several days of challenging weather.
All work is scheduled, weather permitting. That’s a big “if,” with at least two to four inches of snow forecast for the region. Updated information is available online.
Stafford County
Route 3 (Kings Highway) Bridge Repairs
Alternating lane closures at the Route 3 bridge over railroad tracks between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road. Repairs scheduled Sunday through Thursday, 9 p.m.–6 a.m.
Berea Church Road Closure
Closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place for road improvements. Northbound access from Route 17 is also restricted.
Fredericksburg
Route 1 at Fall Hill Avenue & Princess Anne Street/Hanson Avenue Intersections
Intersection improvement projects continue with intermittent single lane and shoulder closures. Most lane closures occur overnight or outside peak commute times. Expected completion: June 2026.
Lafayette Boulevard at Twin Lakes/Kensington
Construction for a $2.4 million bicycle and pedestrian connector project is underway. Completion is anticipated by November 2025.
Interstate 95
Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Off-Ramp
Southbound
Alternating single lane closures nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. for ramp widening and the addition of a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.
Route 1 Southbound Widening
Between I-95 Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Southpoint Parkway
A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway, along with traffic islands for safety improvements.
Completion expected August 2025.
Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening
Near I-95
Mudd Tavern Road widening to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1, with additional access routes under construction. Completion expected May 2025.
Spotsylvania County
Route 1 Northbound & Southbound
Alternating lane closures from the I-95 southbound off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Southpoint Parkway
Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1 for safety improvements and traffic island installation. Scheduled Sunday–Monday (7:30 p.m.–5:30 a.m.) and Monday–Thursday (9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
Route 620 (Harrison Road) Widening
Reconstruction and widening to four lanes between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road. Includes new sidewalks and pedestrian signal equipment. Expected completion: late summer 2026.
With a major snowstorm expected to impact the region starting Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on its winter storm preparations late last month.
Andrew Thorpe, Assistant Resident Engineer, presented an overview of VDOT’s snow removal strategies during a recent meeting, emphasizing readiness across Stafford and neighboring counties.
The upcoming storm, fueled by a low-pressure system moving west to east, is forecast to bring significant wintry precipitation to the area. Snow is likely across most of the region, with sleet and freezing rain expected in southern areas late Sunday.
The system will exit the region by late Monday or early Tuesday.
An elevated winter storm threat is expected late Sun.-Mon. There is increasing confidence in regards to potential travel impacts & closures, especially for the Monday commute. More detailed snow & ice totals will be provided within the next 24 hrs at https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf. pic.twitter.com/g1dU0K8xvh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 2, 2025
Thorpe outlined VDOT’s preparations, which include the allocation of $220 million statewide for snow removal and deployment of over 900 pieces of snow removal equipment across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. Stafford County alone will see more than 260 hired snow removal units, alongside VDOT-owned equipment. Crews have stockpiled 29,000 tons of salt and sand and 58,000 gallons of salt brine for pre-treatment.
Preparations began in July with contractor coordination and continued with a recent dry run to finalize plans. VDOT’s tiered approach prioritizes clearing Interstate 95, primary roads, and access to public safety facilities before moving to high-volume secondary roads and subdivisions. During severe storms, plows focus on making roads passable for emergency vehicles, with follow-up efforts to fully clear roadways as conditions improve.
Thorpe emphasized the importance of technology, including GPS tracking on equipment, which allows for real-time monitoring of plowing progress. Residents can access live updates on v.plows.org and view road conditions through the 511 website and app.
He also encouraged drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather, ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, and use proper shoveling techniques to minimize re-blocking driveways after plows pass.
The Board of Supervisors thanked VDOT for its proactive planning and dedication to keeping roads safe. Residents with concerns or inquiries can contact VDOT’s 24/7 customer service center at 1-800-4-ROAD.
