Built to replace a decades-old diamond interchange, the DDI has allowed for smoother traffic flow, reduced conflict points, and increased safety, according to Kelly Hannon, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Fredericksburg District.
Traffic Growth & Shifting Patterns
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Construction has begun on the Wellington Road Shared Use Path, a long-awaited project aimed at closing a crucial gap in the city’s pedestrian and bicycle network. The new path will run along Wellington Road from Nokesville Road to Prince William Street, offering a safer and more convenient route for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project, designated as Wellington Road Shared Use Path Gap, will construct an 1,800-foot trail segment in a single phase. With a total budget of $1.3 million, the project covers design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and necessary railroad agreements. M&F Concrete, Inc. has been awarded the contract to carry out the work.
Project Timeline and Status
- NEPA Programmatic Categorical Exclusion Issued by VDOT
- Advertised for Construction: September 2024
- Construction Start: February 2025
- Expected Completion: November 2025
Improving Connectivity in Manassas
The Wellington Road Shared Use Path will complete the missing link in the pedestrian and bicycle trail network since 2012. Once completed, the continuous trail will stretch from Godwin Drive at the western city limit to Liberia Avenue at the eastern city limit, enhancing multi-modal transportation options for residents and visitors.
One of the most significant aspects of this project is its role in providing the only pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly crossing over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks between Grant Avenue and Godwin Drive. This will improve access to Jennie Dean Elementary School, Dean Park, downtown Manassas, and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station, making non-motorized travel safer and more convenient.
Environmental and Traffic Considerations
Efforts are in place to ensure minimal environmental impact, as the project remains within the existing right-of-way with limited clearing required. Perimeter controls will be maintained throughout construction to prevent sediment runoff, and no significant impact on nearby streams is expected.
Traffic disruptions will be minimal, with occasional lane closures restricted to weekday hours between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM. This approach aims to reduce commuter inconvenience while maintaining a steady construction pace.
While Stafford officials champion a north-south corridor west of I-95, officials in Fredericksburg remain focused on a new river crossing, though disagreements persist over its location, cost, and environmental impact.
Stafford Advances Western Road Network Proposal
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Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega has issued a directive to widen Route 28 from four to six lanes between the Manassas City Line and the Fairfax County Line, marking a significant shift in the county's approach to alleviating traffic congestion. Vega's directive follows the Board of County Supervisors' recent vote to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project.
The directive to widen the roughly three-mile stretch of roadway has been assigned to the Department of Transportation and Planning, which oversees the project's development. The corridor is lined with businesses on each side, and the widening will require crews to relocate utilities and likely the purchase of commercial properties to accommodate the wider lanes.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking feedback from residents and travelers on a Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study assessing potential safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Hoadly Road (Route 642) between Route 234 (Dumfries Road) and Prince William Parkway (Route 294).
Hoadly Road, a key corridor in Prince William County, carries an average of 25,000 vehicles per day with a posted speed limit of 50 mph. The STARS study aims to identify potential improvements to enhance traffic flow, increase safety, and support multimodal transportation in the area.
Public Survey Open Through March 4
As part of the study, VDOT invites residents and commuters to complete an online survey to provide input on corridor priorities. The feedback collected will help shape potential improvement alternatives that will be evaluated and presented for further public comment later this year.
The survey, which includes a translation tool for Spanish and other languages, is available through March 4, 2025.
Study Timeline
- Study Began: October 2024
- First Round of Public Involvement: February 18 – March 4, 2025
- Second Round of Public Involvement: Late 2025
- Study Completion: Mid-2026
- While STARS studies do not establish construction timelines, they provide detailed proposals that localities can use to seek funding for future improvements.
VDOT has conducted similar STARS studies in Prince William County, including:
- Old Bridge Road and Route 123 near Occoquan
- Route 28 in Manassas Park
These studies help identify infrastructure enhancements that can improve regional traffic operations and safety.
The Prince William County Department of Transportation (PWDOT) has released its FY2024 Annual Report, outlining major infrastructure improvements, safety initiatives, and upcoming projects that aim to enhance the county’s multi-modal transportation network.
Department Director Rick Canizales emphasized the department’s commitment to constructing and maintaining a transportation system that supports local and regional mobility with a focus on safety, equity, and accessibility.
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(The Center Square) — The Senate Transportation Committee set aside Thursday a bill expanding Virginia’s speed camera program, which generated over $19.9 million in paid citations last year.
Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Off-RampSunday – Saturday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on the off-ramp from I-95 southbound to Route 1. Construction is ongoing to widen the ramp and build an additional right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.
City of Fredericksburg
Lafayette Boulevard
Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-Noon. Right lane closure between Twin Lake Drive and St. Pauls Drive. Two-lane traffic will be maintained by shifting vehicles south into a dual turn lane.
Welford Street
Tuesday – Wednesday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures for waterline work between Route 1 and Wallace Street. Flaggers will direct drivers through the work zone.
Spotsylvania County
Route 1
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All travel lanes remain open, but the alignment of Route 1 travel lanes has slightly shifted between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road for road improvements associated with the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions development.
Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
Sunday – Saturday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway.
Route 620 (Harrison Road)
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single lane closure between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road/Leavells Road for water main installation.
Southpoint Parkway
Sunday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m.; Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1 for a safety improvement project.
Stafford County
Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Right lane closures between American Legion Road and Route 17 Business (Warrenton Road) for fiber installation.
Route 17 Northbound
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Intermittent right lane closures between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road for fiber installation.
Berea Church Road Closure
Berea Church Road is closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place. Northbound access is closed from Route 17 to Berea Knolls Drive due to construction.
Major Ongoing Projects
Route 1 Over the Rappahannock River (Falmouth Bridge)
The northbound right lane is closed for emergency bridge repair. Two southbound lanes and a single northbound lane remain open.
Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening
Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. Expected completion in May 2025.
Route 620 (Harrison Road) Reconstruction and Widening
The project will add lanes and pedestrian infrastructure between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road, with completion expected in summer 2026.
Commuting and Ridesharing Information
GWRideConnect offers free ridesharing assistance for carpools, vanpools, and transit options in the Fredericksburg area. Visit www.gwrideconnect.org or call (540) 373-7665 for more details.
The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.
During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.
"This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly," said Chief Sibert. "We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed."
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Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
