Prince William County Celebrates the Opening of the Extension of University Boulevard

The newest section of University Boulevard between Edmonston Drive and Sudley Manor Drive is finished and ready for travelers beginning on Sept. 12.

The 1.25-mile project, which was funded by state, local and regional money, included significant infrastructure improvements such as a new bridge, updated water and sewer lines, and a five-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalk.

Funding for the $23.5-million project came from multiple sources, including $9.7 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, or NVTA, through its Local Distribution Fund, $9.5 million from the Virginia Department of Transportation and $2.5 million for utility upgrades contributed by Prince William Water.

According to the Prince William County Department of Transportation, the newly completed section of University Boulevard provides numerous benefits, such as improved pedestrian and cycling access, reduced traffic congestion and enhanced opportunities for economic development.

“This project is the first of many that will make University Boulevard safer, more accessible and easier to navigate for both motorists and pedestrians,” Prince William County Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson said at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the road. “This project has prioritized community safety for nearby residents. As this part of our community continues to grow, we must scale our infrastructure to improve traffic flow, relieve congestion and promote community safety. This project also makes the Victory Lakes subdivision more accessible for residents.”

Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, who attended the ceremony with Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega and Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir, echoed the importance of this milestone. “As we look at this bridge and the road and everything around us … it takes a lot of people to put all this together, and here we are … able to cut this ribbon today on this incredible project,” Gordy said. “This is also about building stronger communities. This Independence neighborhood ... has been cut off from these other communities since it was built. Now, Independence can connect to Victory Lakes, can connect to Sheffield Manor, can connect to Lanier Farms. It helps make a stronger, bigger community for us here in this part of the Brentsville District.”

Gordy went on to say that new economic development along the road will serve the county well.

“It’s going to help us continue to grow and create jobs and help make the future that much more prosperous,” he said.

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Chief Executive Officer Monica Backmon spoke at the ceremony and said she enjoyed attending ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings.

“Ribbon cuttings mean reduced congestion. Ribbon cuttings mean multi-modal access. Ribbon cuttings mean improved quality of life. Ribbon cuttings mean economic development. You get all of that from a project that is absolutely beautiful,” Backmon said. “It is great to see this money going to work and adhering to our core values of equity, safety and sustainability. We are proud to have a small part, but a big role in the overall completion of this project.”

Prince William County Executive Chris Shorter attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the road opening.

“Transportation has us out celebrating all of the work being done across the county,” Shorter said. “I am just really excited to see so much focus over these last few years on interconnectivity within the county.”

This project marks the fourth major roadway completed by the county this year, reinforcing Prince William County’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting community interconnectivity.

Watch the Buzz video about the event.