STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade.

The county is seeking public input on two of its most congested and crash-prone corridors: Garrisonville Road (VA 610) and Warrenton Road (US 17). Both routes have been flagged for safety and congestion concerns. The county plans to apply for state funding through the Virginia SMART SCALE program in 2026 to study each area under the PATHS (Program for Affordable Transportation Hotspot Solutions) program.


MANASSAS, Va. – Visitors to Historic Downtown Manassas now have more parking options, thanks to the opening of a new lot located between Main, Center, East, and Church streets.

Historic Manassas, Inc. announced the additional parking, which offers two-hour parking Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no restrictions during evenings and weekends. The added spaces aim to make it easier for visitors to dine, shop, attend meetings, or simply enjoy time downtown.


This is the final part of our three-part series exploring Virginia Railway Express’ vision for the future. Thank you for following along.

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At the April 18, 2025, VRE Operations Board meeting, planners unveiled a sweeping System Plan that would transform VRE from a traditional commuter service into a true regional backbone — connecting communities across the region with frequent, reliable rail service.


A 30-day warning period for photo red light enforcement at the intersection of Liberia Avenue and Richmond Avenue in Manassas will begin on May 1, 2025.

After the warning period ends on June 1, 2025, active enforcement will start, and citations will be issued to violators. Each potential violation will be reviewed by a Manassas City Police Officer before a citation is issued.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – At one time, the Fredericksburg Visitors’ Center at the corner of Charlotte and Caroline Streets and the little parking lot next door were an adequate place for visitors to park. Last year, the Visitor’s Center relocated to a larger space a block away. The parking lot is now under new ownership, and access to the lot has been restricted. However, not everyone received the notice, so parking enforcement rolls in, which some see as unwarranted.

“I have heard of people being towed,” said Simon Jones, who called the signs “very unclear.” He had a latte from “Anita’s Café” next door to the lot, and the owner, Anita Crossfield, agrees that the signage needs to be clearer. She’s seen cars being towed from the lot, especially on holidays. “It’s not clear,” she said, and an updated version of the sign needs to be included. The new owners should do that, Anita said.


STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Reckless street racing between a juvenile and his father resulted in a crash on Courthouse Road Tuesday evening, knocking out power to 2,000 Stafford County residents.

Deputies responded to the 1500 block of Courthouse Road at about 6:25 p.m. on April 22, 2025, after a Ford Mustang struck and toppled a utility pole. Witnesses told Deputy X.D. Bates, the Mustang, was speeding when the juvenile driver lost control, narrowly missing a child playing nearby. Moments later, a green Porsche arrived on the scene, driven by the juvenile’s father, who transported the teen from the area.


The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.


Transportation Director Rick Canizales announced a new series of public town halls during a recent episode of the Potomac Local News podcast. The sessions, to be held throughout the county, will provide residents with an opportunity to discuss their ideas, priorities, and concerns directly with transportation planners.

“We want to know what they want to see in the future,” said Canizales. “Not just what we already have going on. This is the first step in building a transportation network that’s truly community-driven.”


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