Some Main Roadways In Prince William County
Prince William County’s population as of June 2006 is estimated to be 371,178. By the year 2030, it is projected that more than 555,000 residents will live in the county. The landscape of the county has changed to accommodate the new growth. Road expansions however, have not kept up with the growth. County road bond projects have recently been approved to improve the infrastructure.
There are a number of roadways in Prince William County. You have the federal highways, Interstate Highway 95 and Interstate Highway 66. I95 runs north-south through the east end of the county. I66 runs east-west through the west end of the county.
Virginia Highways include the Jefferson Davis Highway (US Route 1); Gordon Road (VA Route 123); Centerville Road (VA Route 28); Lee Highway (VA Route 29); James Madison Highway (VA Route 15).
The Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Highway, also named Dumfries Road (VA Route 234) was recently widened to 4 lanes. It is a 23 mile north-south highway linking drivers to I-66 and I95. It took 25 years to complete the widening. I remember driving on Route 234 through Manassas to I66 on my way to Tennessee. What a difference 25 years makes. Traffic breezes now that the construction crew has moved on.
The Prince William Parkway connects to I95 and I66. It links Manassas and the Potomac Mills, Dale City, Woodbridge areas within Prince William County. The parkway is 4 to 6 lanes that also connect with Route 234. It opened in the mid 1990’s and expansions continue. I use it regularly when I drive to Manassas. It’s a pleasant drive; most of the route is not heavily developed yet.
Route 1 was the main highway for east bound travelers until its replacement by I95. Today it is used by the local residents and when I95 is backed up, which I might add is almost daily, it becomes the escape route for travelers. It is currently 4 lanes, but plans are to widen it to 6 in years to come. I enjoy driving on Route 1 because it gives me a change to slow down and enjoy the scenery. You can follow Route1 down to parts of Florida, which might be interesting.
Speaking of traffic, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides service to Prince William County commuters. It connects with METRO (the subway and bus system) at five locations. The VRE has two lines, the Manassas line with stations in Manassas Park and the city of Manassas and the Fredericksburg line with stations in Woodbridge, Rippon, and Quantico. The VRE does not run on weekends or federal holidays. Like other major transit systems, the cost to operate the VRE is passed down to the riders. I don’t see the commuter giving up the buses any time soon.
Prince William County is like any other community with roadways going in and out, connecting us to the outside world. Yet, like other communities, road funds are getting scarce, as continue to demands grow.