Courtesy of Prince William County Communications

The Neabsco Mills Road Widening Project was officially completed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

The $34.3-million project, funded with federal, state, regional and local money, involved widening Neabsco Mills Road from Smoke Court to U.S. 1 to create a four-lane, divided roadway with a sidewalk and shared-use path on both sides. The project is in the Neabsco and Woodbridge magisterial districts. 

“This road widening project has transformed Neabsco Mills Road from a two-lane road to a much safer and more accessible, four-lane road with a median and a sidewalk,” said Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. “As our community continues to grow, projects like this one are crucial. Neabsco Mills Road is a growing throughway that drivers depend on, and with NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus and Freedom High School, we must do everything we can to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure that students can get to school safely and on time.” 

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry stated that the project demonstrates the Board of County Supervisors’ dedication to improving infrastructure to benefit county residents. He stressed that the completion of the project would strengthen the county’s ability to manage the continually growing traffic demands. 

“Recognizing the urgent need to address traffic congestion coming from the busy Route 1 and Dale Boulevard, we embarked on this project with a clear vision to create a more efficient and safer route for everyone who travels on this road,” Angry said. “The widening of Neabsco Mills Road is not just about adding lanes. It is about laying the groundwork for the near-future growth of our community…. As we celebrate this achievement, let us look ahead to future improvements and continued progress in the Neabsco and Woodbridge districts and Prince William County. Let’s continue to work together to make this district and our county a better place for all.”  

Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin told county residents, county staff and elected officials gathered at the ceremony that the project finished on time despite facing challenges, such as lengthy rights-of-way acquisition and difficult utility relocation. The project’s design phase began in June 2017 and was part of the county’s six-year capital improvement plan.  

Franklin noted that the project represents the Board’s continuing efforts to revitalize the Route 1 corridor and improve the quality of life for community residents.  

“The 10-foot, shared-use path provides safe pedestrian travel for both Freedom High School and the Northern Virginia Community College students to use before and after classes. The widening of this road provides easy access to restaurants, hotels and residential areas. It also supports the county’s economic development by encouraging the traveling public to explore the hospitality offered in our county,” said Franklin.     

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) Chief Executive Officer Monica Backmon said that the NVTA, which contributed $8.9 million to the project, was pleased to partner again with Prince William County to complete the project.   

“I always say that this is one of the best parts of my job. The groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings because that is progress that citizens can actually see,” Backmon said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to know what’s going on behind the scenes, but when we are celebrating ribbon cuttings, that’s progress that everyone can see.  And I would like to note about this particular project that it is an alignment of the core values of NVTA – equity, safety and sustainability. Providing the surrounding businesses, schools, residential areas with these multi-modal access points helps with equity and it helps with the quality of life. Time you are not spending in your car or trying to commute … is time you can spend doing other things.”   

Prince William County Executive Chris Shorter described the project as a collaborative effort that would reduce congestion and improve mobility within the county. He also stated that the project demonstrates the Board’s commitment to enhancing transportation within the county.  

“We often talk about investing in projects here in the county that create an environment where we are able to decrease congestion and increase mobility inside the county… It is so wonderful to see us doing these kinds of projects that really focus on making sure that we have interconnection here in Prince William County,” Shorter said.  

Watch the Buzz video of the event.