Lawmakers must fix traffic gridlock

Jo Ann Bell
Published: June 22, 2008

On Monday, June 23, Prince William’s state legislators return to Richmond to take care of unfinished business during a special session on transportation. Prince William and the greater Northern Virginia region are in a state of gridlock, having received no significant new road or transit funding in nearly 20 years! The General Assembly last year enacted a transportation package, but most of it was ruled unconstitutional this year by the Virginia Supreme Court.

So here we are. Businesses face increased costs because of long and unpredictable delivery times, increased shipping costs and lowered gas mileage as company vehicles idle in traffic. The result for consumers is higher prices. At the same time, many residents face lengthy commutes to jobs, shopping and recreation. The result for businesses is less productive employees and frustrated customers. 
There is no relief in sight unless our legislators act. Without their action, these projects — which would have been funded under last year’s now defunct transportation plan — will not be completed anytime in the near future:

— Widening Va. 28 from two to four lanes between Fitzwater Drive and Vint Hill Road.

— Widening Prince William County Parkway from four to six lanes between Hoadly and Minnieville roads.

— Engineering and construction of University Boulevard from Sudley Manor Drive to Wellington Road.

— Widening Route 1 from four to six lanes between Neabsco Mills and Featherstone roads.

— Construction of Route 15 Park and Ride Lot in Dominion Valley.

— Completion of the widening of Minnieville Road from two to four lanes between Spriggs Road and Va. 234.

The Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of its business members, is urging our Prince William delegation to the General Assembly to fix the problem. Our legislators’ job is to
address the critical issues that face our community. It is time to for them to put aside political posturing, partisanship and ideology and work together to provide real solutions for the businesses and
residents of Prince William.

Every resident should communicate with their state legislators and ask them to work to address the gridlock that slows our economy and detracts from our quality of life. If you are unsure of the name or
contact information for your state legislators, type legis.state.va.us in your Web browser and then click the “Who’s My Legislator” link in the top right corner. 

JO ANN BELL

Chairman of the Board

Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce