The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, the public agency that operates the commuter bus service from Prince William County to points in Northern Virginia and Washington, says 20 percent of their routes have long suffered from overcrowding –– a result of higher gas prices and congress’ decision to extend the $230 employer-sponsored commuter benefit for federal employees through 2011.
PRTC commissioners are expected to vote on the plan Thursday night.
“She’s loving it,” said Carmen’s mother, Rochelle Romero. “As long as she’s being good we’re going to hang here and enjoy the parade.”
Romero and her husband, Craig, have lived in the Potomac Communities since 2004, but this was the first time they had come to the annual Dale City 4th of July Parade.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Stafford County and points south until 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
At 5 p.m., doppler radar indicated a large area of rain moving from west to east that could affect the Potomac Communities before many of the fireworks shows in the region are set to begin at 9 pm.
The unidentified storm victim was riding his bicycle along the C&O Canal in Montgomery County, Md. and was struck by a tree, reports the Washington Post.
Closer to home, about 600 Dominion Virginia customers in the Brooke and Widewater areas of Stafford County had their power knocked out. About 300 Dominion customers in the Dumfries area lost their power.
A crash just south of Lorton snarled traffic between from the Occoquan River all the way to the Capital Beltway, and there are no signs traffic is easing as many commuters are making a break for the long holiday weekend.
The delays along the highway were so bad about 2 p.m. some drivers chose to drive off the highway, into a median and access the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes near Potomac Mills mall.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Friday, July 1
Saturday, July 2
During the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, officials plan to write summonses and place some behind bars for possessing illegal fireworks.
“On the Fourth of July weekend, fire marshals and police officers will patrol the region looking for illegal fireworks, which will be confiscated,” Prince William fire and rescue Assistant Chief Hadden Culp said. “The violator will then be charged with the offence and must appear in court. Locally, use of illegal fireworks in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, meaning a person could receive jail time of up to 1 year and a fine of up to $2,500.00.”
Woodbridge, Va. — Katie and Nick Gregory are going places this summer by way of OmniLink.
Police say a man walked into the bank in the Ashdale Plaza near Interstate 95 at 2:19 p.m., threatened a clerk with a hammer and demanded money. He got it and then fled the scene.
No one was injured and police have now deployed K9 units and a helicopter to search for the intruder.
