WOODBRIGDE, Va. — Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton is coming to Woodbridge to talk about the hotly-debated Bi-County Parkway.
The secretary, who once led the Prince William County Board of Supervisors as its chairman, will address the Board at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Connaughton is a supporter of the North-South Corridor of Statewide Significance — an area between Dulles Airport and Interstate 95 that could see a new Bi-County Parkway built to link the major cargo hub with the busy east coast thoroughfare.
Some residents oppose the road because it would be used to transport cargo to and from the airport, and it would bring few jobs to Prince William County or Manassas.
“We’re probably going to see more of the ‘bushwhacking’ that he’s been known for,” said Mary Ann Ghadban, referring to a cited comments about Connaughton and his time on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
As the highway would be built across a portion of Manassas National Battlefield, road opponents say history that’s been preserved will be lost.
But county officials, who have heard a mouthful from opponents, look forward to Connaughton’s visit.
“There is uncertainty from folks in the mid-county area, especially about the impact this roadway would have on Route 234 south of Brentsville Road,” said Coles District Supervisor Marty Nohe. “There are fears 234 could be widened in existing neighborhoods, and while that is said not to be the plan, VDOT needs to address this in a clear way.”
Business groups, like the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, support the road and say it’s needed to bring large companies to the region.
If a Bi-County Parkway is built between Prince William and Loudoun counties, it would traverse the Va. 234 corridor linking I-95 and I-66, and then extending the road north to connect with Dulles Airport and ultimately Va. 7. near Leesburg.
