Prince William County officials celebrated a milestone today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new six-level parking garage in Woodbridge.

The $53.5 million Potomac/Neabsco Mills Commuter Garage, designed to serve as a park-and-ride hub, represents a significant investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure and is a step toward meeting the growing demands of residents and commuters.

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Prince William County Police Department reopened its field office at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge earlier this month.

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Press Release:

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Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.

According to Potomac Mills’ press release, the upgraded Food Pavilion will feature contemporary flooring, stylish lighting, and a refreshed color palette to create a more inviting atmosphere. New seating arrangements, including elevated banquet tables, intimate conversation spots, and flexible benches, will offer comfortable spaces for groups of all sizes. The renovation, which incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, aligns with the mall’s commitment to sustainability.

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Families gathered at Potomac Mills mall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, for a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Prince William County Police officers. The event, held in collaboration with Potomac Mills, aimed to foster positive connections between police officers and the local community. As part of the event, the mall provided free Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, all of which sported a police uniform, to the first 30 young visitors, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for children and parents alike. Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections. Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained. For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.” The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills' role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.

@ShoPotomacMills gives children Build-A-Bear dolls to children at today's meet-and-greet with @PWCPolice. There were lots of smiles in the room. pic.twitter.com/lzaADepQ8p

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 5, 2024

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In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shirley Contracting Company, Transurban is set to unveil a new access point from Opitz Boulevard to the 95 Express Lanes in Woodbridge.

The access point, opening on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10 p.m., will allow northbound entry during morning rush hour starting Friday, November 15, providing Prince William County commuters a faster and more reliable route.

The $70 million project, fully funded by Transurban, is designed to serve a growing community that includes major employers like Sentara Northern Virignia Medical Center and Potomac Mills. VDOT Northern Virginia District Megaprojects Director Michelle Shropshire expressed pride in delivering this new connection, citing its potential to ease congestion for drivers traveling from Prince William County and beyond.

“The new connection between Opitz Boulevard and the 95 Express Lanes will provide new access for drivers coming from Prince William County and points south, helping to relieve congestion locally and on I-95,” Shropshire said.

The Opitz Boulevard Ramp Project introduces a reversible, south-facing ramp offering northbound access to the 95 Express Lanes from Opitz Boulevard in the morning and southbound access in the afternoon. The project also includes rehabilitation and widening the Opitz Boulevard bridge over I-95, adding left-turn lanes in both directions and a sidewalk for bicyclists and pedestrians. This stand-alone direct access ramp is the first to be integrated into the existing Express Lanes network. It is expected to ease traffic flow across the highway on Opitz Boulevard.

Originally planned for summer 2024, the ramp’s opening was delayed due to project adjustments, according to Transurban. Despite the delay, Transurban North America President Beau Memory noted that the project reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to mobility improvements in Northern Virginia.

“The Opitz Boulevard Project is a great example of Transurban’s commitment to improving mobility in collaboration with our partners at VDOT,” Memory said. “We are always looking for more ways to provide faster, more reliable trips, and the new ramp will continue to build connections throughout our communities.”

A man was fatally shot in a commuter parking lot along Prince William Parkway late Saturday night in what police have described as an altercation that turned deadly.

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INCIDENT: Shooting | #Woodbridge; #PWCPD is on scene of a shooting at the commuter lot in the 2200 block of Prince William Pkwy. One man with a gunshot injury. Extent of injuries currently unknown. Please report suspicious persons in the area to police. pic.twitter.com/31uWpWb2Yg

— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) November 3, 2024

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