Costco Wholesale is set to expand its fuel station at Potomac Mills Circle. The current setup, which features eight fuel pumps, will be increased to twelve fueling positions. The expansion aims to improve service efficiency for the members.
The expansion request involved amending the conditions of the Special Use Permit, approved by the Board of County Supervisors on July 16, 2024. This amendment will add more fueling positions and revise the existing layout to enhance circulation within the station.
The Costco fuel station is located on the north side of Potomac Mills Circle and New Bedford Way, near the intersection of Gideon Drive and Telegraph Road.
The Prince William County Planning Commission recommended approval of the expansion on April 24, 2024. Following a staff review, the recommendation for approval was upheld.
Summit School Road Extension
Following a groundbreaking ceremony, Lake Ridge’s Summit School Road project is now underway and marks the county’s infrastructure development. This 1.2-mile extension stretches from Kinnicutt Drive to Telegraph Road and will be transformed into a four-lane divided roadway. The project will widen Telegraph Road from Caton Hill Road to Prince William Parkway, increasing it from two to four lanes. Enhancements include a raised grass median, a five-foot sidewalk, and a ten-foot shared-use path to accommodate additional pedestrian traffic.
In addition to this project, the Horner Road Commuter Lot, already the largest in Virginia, will expand with 57 new parking spaces. County officials said this extension alleviates congestion and improves mobility along Minnieville Road.
The project, which had a $40 million budget, received $38 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and $2 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) for the commuter lot expansion. Kimley-Horn and Associates handled the design, initiated in December 2019, while Sagres Construction Corporation undertook the construction starting in June 2024.
Neabsco Mills Road Widening
The Neabsco Mills Road Widening Project spans the Neabsco and Woodbridge Magisterial Districts in Woodbridge. This project improved and widened Neabsco Mills Road from Smoke Court to Route 1, transforming it into a four-lane divided roadway with pedestrian facilities on both sides. The project also enhanced the intersection at Neabsco Mills and Route 1 and adjusted the road’s alignment to meet current design standards.
With a budget of $34.3 million, the project was fully funded through federal, state, regional, and local sources, including $8.9 million from NVTA 30% funding. Rinker Design Associates (RDA) began the design phase in June 2017, and Sagres Construction Corporation commenced construction in October 2022.
The improved roadway and pedestrian facilities significantly enhance access to key local sites such as Freedom High School, Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus, and various retail, hospitality, and residential areas.
These projects are part of Prince William County’s broader transportation capital improvement program, which exceeds $1.3 billion and includes various multimodal projects. These initiatives range from sidewalk and traffic safety projects to major interchanges and road widening, all aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across the county.
The projects follow the opening of a new interchange at Prince William Parkway, Dumfries, and Brentsville Roads outside Manassas.
Correction: An earlier version of this article reported that the Summitt School Road project was completed.
On Friday, July 19, 2024, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Urban Air Adventure Park in Woodbridge. The event will occur at 4:30 p.m. at Urban Air Woodbridge, 14173 Crossing Place, Woodbridge.
Urban Air Adventure Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. These attractions include trampolines, an indoor sky rider, a ropes course, climbing walls, and the Warrior Course. Additionally, the park features Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Virtual Reality experiences, Mini-Golf, Bowling, and indoor Go-Karts. Younger visitors can enjoy the Tubes Playground and Flash Pads, while those seeking more thrill can try the Leap of Faith, Twist Tower, and Trapeze.
Urban Air Adventure Park was founded in 2011 and has since grown to become the largest adventure park operator in the world, with nearly 290 locations open and under development. The company aims to provide fun and challenging experiences for kids, helping them achieve goals they never thought possible.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the official opening of the park, which will operate Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
We first told you about the discovery on Friday.
Death Investigation – On July 12 at 3:20PM, officers responded to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) located at 2635 College Dr. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed NVCC police located the personal belongings of an individual, later identified as a 20-year-old man, near a pond and contacted Prince William County police. A short time later, the man’s body was located and recovered from the pond by Fire & Rescue personnel. Preliminarily, there are no signs of foul play in the man’s death. The cause and manner of death is pending by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Police have found what appears to be a body floating in a lake at the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
“We are awaiting additional [information] to confirm, but it is most likely a person,” said Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr. “There is no public safety threat and no immediate indication of foul play.”
Rescue crews were called to bring a boat to pull the object from the water.
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The Occoquan River Boat Show will occur at Occoquan Harbour Marina, 13180 Marina Way in Woodbridge, from July 12 to July 14. This event will feature boats from seven manufacturers, allowing visitors to compare different models and find the right boat for their needs.
Event hours:
– Friday, July 12: Noon – 6 p.m.
– Saturday, July 13: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Sunday, July 14: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
According to Capt. George Phillips of the Pirates Guide to Boating, a boater resource for the Potomac River, the idea for the Occoquan River Boat Show began when a group of local dealers and marinas recognized the potential for a dedicated event to showcase the area’s boating opportunities. With the Occoquan River’s picturesque setting and the abundance of marinas and boat dealers in Prince William County, it was clear that a boat show would be an excellent way to promote boating and connect enthusiasts with the latest models and technologies.
Seven boat manufacturers will be represented, offering the latest models equipped with state-of-the-art design and equipment. Boats will be displayed both on the lot and in the water.
The exhibitors include Prince William Marina, Holly Acres, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and Harbour Yacht Sales. The Pirate’s Guide to Boating will also be present and distribute free items.
While no seminars are planned for this year, numerous experts will be available to answer questions. Visitors are encouraged to attend in the mornings to avoid the heat. Parking should be ample, but families are advised to consolidate into one vehicle.
This year’s event sponsors include Holly Acres, Prince William Marina, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and The Pirate’s Guide to Boating. Each sponsor will conduct their own promotions, with The Pirate’s Guide doing joint event promotion.
Additional attractions will focus on boats and dealers this year, with plans for more attractions next year. Exhibitors will likely offer free show gear, and The Harbour Grille, a river-front restaurant at the exact location, plans to provide special drinks for the event.
US Marshals arrested Tyus Terrell, the man wanted in connection to the murder of Quatrail Raynard Smalls of Big Stone Gap on November 14, 2023.
Police named Terrell, of Spotsylvania County, as a suspect in the case two days after the shooting. He was arrested about 2 p.m. today following a pursuit at Freedom High School in Woodbridge.
Police increased the $10,000 reward for information leading to Terrell’s arrest on June 3.
On November 14, officers responded to the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed gunshots were heard in the area, which struck a 26-year-old man who was found lying on the ground by responding officers.
Officers provided immediate first aid to the man, who was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.
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Sometimes, we get buried in breaking local news, and some essential interviews get pushed back. Though we conducted our interviews for this story last month, it is still important to share.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center featured a documentary photo exhibit titled “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition.” The exhibit, created by photojournalist Karen Kasmauski in collaboration with WHRO, was displayed on May 21 outside the hospital’s maternity ward.
The exhibit showcases powerful images that highlight the crucial role of midwifery and doula services in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for non-Hispanic Black mothers. Sheena Kundid, a nurse at the medical center, explained the significance of the display, emphasizing how midwifery bridges gaps in maternal healthcare. “Midwifery services support and really bridge the gap for our non-Hispanic Black mothers and really all of our mothers. It’s been shown that midwifery and doulas improve outcomes through trust and active partnership in the birth experience,” she said.
The photos in the exhibit capture various stages of the birthing process, from a mother enduring contractions to the care provided post-delivery. Kundid highlighted the importance of showcasing both home and hospital births, demonstrating the collaborative relationship between midwives and hospital facilities. “It paints a picture of how midwifery supports that collaborative relationship with hospitals and facilities,” Kundid added.
Misti Gray, an OB-Gyn at About Women in Woodbridge, which is affiliated with Sentara, underscored the alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates. “The headline of the main focus is, ‘I just don’t want to die.’ It’s powerful but true,” Gray stated. She pointed out that Black mothers are disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related complications, being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Gray attributed this disparity to systemic issues such as racial biases, unequal access to care, and lack of education.
Gray also addressed common misconceptions about midwifery, emphasizing that midwifery care is not limited to home births. “Midwifery care is everywhere. It’s hospitals, birthing centers, at home, and in the community,” she said. She highlighted the growing presence of midwives in hospitals, a trend that has increased over the past decade.
The exhibit aims to educate the community and break down misconceptions about midwifery. Kundid shared that Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is working to increase its midwifery presence and build partnerships with providers. “Midwives help our OB/GYNs, and it increases access to care, which is a dire need across the entire United States,” Kundid explained.
In March, the CDC reported a slight improvement in maternal mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black women, who are now 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Kundid acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for continued efforts to address these disparities.
The “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition” will be on display at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for the next few weeks. It offers a compelling look into the critical role of midwifery in maternal healthcare.
Cops called to Target after woman feared she would be shot
On June 6th at approximately 4:40 a.m. Sergeant J.D. Hurt, Deputy D.A. Robertson, and Deputy P.J. Leon responded to Target, located at 25 South Gateway Drive [Stafford County], for a disturbance. The caller advised she was currently in the parking lot hiding from a male suspect who was threatening to shoot her. Due to the immediate danger, deputies quickly arrived. When they did, they observed the male suspect exiting his vehicle and aggressively approaching the victim who was crouched under a truck. The parties were separated as deputies attempted to learn what occurred.
