Traffic

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

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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Updated: OmniRide Plans New Front Royal Commuter Service on I-66 Corridor, Eliminating Gainesville-Reston Route

By Uriah Kiser

Updated 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 — In a significant shift aimed at enhancing commuter services along the I-66 corridor, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has approved a plan to introduce new state-funded bus routes and eliminate the underused Gainesville-Reston commuter bus route 618. This decision comes after thorough studies identified the need for expanded services and better resource utilization.

The new routes, proposed to serve Front Royal and Warrenton, are designed to support the recently expanded I-66 express lanes and introduce new commuting options for residents. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Long-Distance Commuter Bus Study and the Shenandoah County Public Transit Feasibility Study identified these routes as necessary.

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$1 Deal Seals 20-Year Lease Extension for Broad Run Station Parking

By Uriah Kiser

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board is poised to extend its parking lease at the Broad Run Station through a recommended amendment to the existing lease agreement with the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. This extension will secure 46,974 square feet, or 113 parking spaces, known as the “barn lot,” for an additional 20 years for $1 per year.

The current lease agreement for the parking spaces at Broad Run Station, just outside Manassas, established in October 2004, expires in October 2024. The proposed amendment seeks to extend this agreement until October 2044, maintaining all original lease provisions unchanged.

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Truck Crashes into Storm Retention Pond in North Stafford, Driver Rescued

By Uriah Kiser

According to Major Shawn Kimmitz from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the crash led to an immediate response from local rescue teams, who successfully extracted one person from the submerged vehicle. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The conditions during the accident included rainfall, although it is still unclear whether speed played a role in the mishap. The intersection was partially closed to facilitate the rescue operation and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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Fatal Crash Investigation and DUI Manslaughter Arrest in Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
Gainesville fatal crash

On September 25, crash investigators charged 21-year-old Lesly Miraya-Mayuri with DUI manslaughter following a fatal crash that occurred on September 13 on Caton Hill Rd near Killarney Dr in Woodbridge. The crash killed a 23-year-old passenger, Elvis Gabriel Alvarez, in the same vehicle and seriously injured a 67-year-old woman driving another car.

The investigation revealed that Miraya-Mayuri, driving a 2017 Toyota Camry, was intoxicated and traveling the wrong direction when the head-on collision with a 2015 Toyota Corolla occurred. Neither Miraya-Mayuri nor her passenger was wearing seatbelts at the time. Miraya-Mayuri was arrested and is scheduled for a court appearance on October 9, 2024, with a $10,000 unsecured bond. Investigators are still seeking witnesses to the crash.

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AI Traffic Safety System Faces Scrutiny, Prince William County Supervisors Delay Decision

By Alan Gloss
Proposed AI camera locations.

A proposal to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tracking for traffic and pedestrian safety in Prince William County was deferred after a contentious discussion during the Sept. 19, 2024, Board of County Supervisors meeting.

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Parking Issues Take Center Stage at Manassas Town Hall Meeting

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas police photographed a car parked illegally in the city's Georgetown South neighborhood. [Photo: Manassas City Government]

At a town hall meeting Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, the Manassas City Council gathered to address concerns about parking, a recurring issue in the city. The meeting opened with Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger welcoming attendees and introducing the topic of parking, but she emphasized that the forum was open for residents to discuss any community issues.

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Stafford Supervisors Reject Regional Transportation Authority Proposal

By Uriah Kiser
Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

On September 17, 2024, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors considered a resolution to support the creation of a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). This resolution was part of the county’s broader legislative agenda of addressing its growing transportation infrastructure challenges.

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