WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Transportation officials will consider new modes of transportation in the U.S. 1 corridor from Fairfax to Prince William counties as a new study is set to get underway.
Gov. Robert F. McDonnell announced Monday officials will spend 12 months speaking with the public and looking into transportation solutions such as light rail, bus rapid transit, and a possible extension of Metro into the congested corridor. The area of U.S. 1 between the Capital Beltway in Alexandria and Va. 123 in Woodbridge will be examined, as it his home to two major military installations, Fort Belvoir and Quantico, several commercial development and residential developments, and miles of commuter traffic.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to improve transportation in the Commonwealth. Route 1 in Northern Virginia has long been known as a highly congested roadway and any resident of the area knows well the delays that are frequent and all too common,” McDonnell stated in a press release.
Looking for alternatives to using cars, an analysis that will be crafted as part of the study will look at the impact any changes will have on the existing roadway, look at densities that would support mass transit, and develop ridership projections for new mass transit that could be added to the area.
The study is expected to involve residents, business owners, elected officials, and government staff from both Fairfax and Prince William County, the press release states.
Delegate Mark Dudenhefer, R-Stafford, Woodbridge, said this is good news for commuters that live, travel, and work in the corridor.
“I look forward to working with all of those involved to find and promote solutions to the ongoing traffic problems along Route 1,” Dudenhefer stated in an email to constituents.
Officials said it will take 12 months to plan the study.
