Woodbridge – Page 25 – Potomac Local News

Traffic Alert: Lane Closure on Opitz Boulevard Overpass for Ramp Construction

Published October 1, 2024 at 1:00PM

A pedestrian fence. Photo: Transurban

Commuters and residents in Woodbridge should prepare for a planned lane closure that will impact traffic on the Opitz Boulevard westbound overpass at Interstate 95. The closure, scheduled from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, is necessary to construct a new ramp linking the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes to Opitz Boulevard.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance traffic flow and accessibility to key destinations in the area, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and nearby commercial centers. However, as the construction enters a critical phase, disruptions are anticipated. The specific lane closure will allow workers to safely implement parts of the new ramp directly above the Opitz Boulevard overpass.

News

Local Artist Completes Colorful Mural for Sentara Medical Center

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 1, 2024 at 12:30PM

The ribbon-cutting was completed by the three longest-tenured employees. L to R: SNVMC President Jeff Joyner, Janice Carneal, Tania Brown, Shirley Conley and Sentara President and CEO Dennis Matheis surrounded by team members. [Photo: Courtesy of Sentara]

On Sept. 25, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge celebrated the new mural recently completed by a local artist, Alethea Marie Robinson.

SNVMC President Jeff Joyner had the idea to have a mural throughout the hallway entering the north side of the hospital from the employee parking lot. Instead of a regular hallway, this one is now adorned with vibrant colors, flowers and butterflies.

News

Body Found at Belmont Bay

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:15AM

Officers responded to a report of a death in the 500 block of Harbor Side Street in Woodbridge on Saturday, September 28 at 10:20 p.m. The deceased, a 46-year-old man, was discovered by a fishing vessel crew floating in the water. Fire and rescue teams retrieved the body, confirming the death. Initial investigations indicate no signs of foul play, with the exact cause and manner of death awaiting determination by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as needed.

From Prince William police:

Manassas

OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 5, 2024 at 2:57PM

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.

In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.

News

Major Drug Bust in Woodbridge: Over 25,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized

By Aya Karouane

Published October 1, 2024 at 6:30AM | Updated October 2, 2024 at 8:34AM

[Photo: Virginia State Police]

Press Release from Virginia State Police:

The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force has concluded a three-month investigation with the arrest of a Woodbridge, VA resident. Through the course of the investigation, officers learned of a multi-jurisdictional operation throughout Culpeper and Prince William counties.

News

Woodbridge Man Charged After Bomb Threat at Pizza Restaurant

By Aya Karouane

Published September 28, 2024 at 8:51AM

On September 26, officers investigated a bomb threat at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, prompted by a phone call from a Woodbridge man, police said. The restaurant was evacuated, police didn’t find a bomb, and the caller was charged with making a threat to bomb.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

Prince William

From Colonial Times to Conservation: Rippon Lodge’s Planned Interpretive Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 27, 2024 at 1:11PM

Rippon Lodge historic site in Woodbridge.

Dear Readers,

We are excited to announce the launch of our History and Heritage Feature Series, sponsored by Sentara. This special series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.

Health

Sentara Health Innovates with Specialized Smartphones to Enhance Patient Care

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 26, 2024 at 10:00AM

Sentara Health has announced a technology rollout to enhance clinician-patient interactions across its network. All 12 hospitals, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge, have nearly 6,000 specialized smartphones designed to improve workflow and patient safety.

These devices are engineered to consolidate multiple tools—walkie-talkies, basic phones, pagers, and computer carts—into one device, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on juggling equipment.

News

Woman Charged in DUI That Killed One, Injured Woodbridge Woman

By Aya Karouane

Published September 25, 2024 at 5:56PM | Updated October 2, 2024 at 8:35AM

Miraya-Mayuri, L.

On September 25, investigators charged Lesly Miraya-Mayuri, 21, with DUI manslaughter following a fatal crash on September 13 near Woodbridge that killed a passenger, Elvis Gabriel Alvarez, 23, and injured a Woodbridge woman. The accused was found to be intoxicated and driving the wrong way when the collision occurred, and has a court date set for October 9, 2024.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

News

Shooting at Woodbridge Car Wash Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Arrested

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 16, 2024 at 9:24AM

Photo: Prince William County Police / Potomac Local

On September 14, police responded to a shooting at the Sonic Soft Car Wash in Woodbridge, where a verbal altercation between two men escalated into a deadly encounter. Police said 25-year-old suspect shot Earl Duwan Miller, 54, during a physical altercation after both parties briefly separated. A female accomplice also brandished a firearm, police said.

The suspects fled but were apprehended shortly afterward by Virginia State Police. Miller was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Both suspects face multiple charges.