A Quarter Mile That’s Miles Ahead

How a Short Stretch of Road Is Creating Big Change in Woodbridge, Virginia

It was just after 7 a.m. when a friend of mine, we’ll call her Meenu, pulled out of the parking lot from her Rivergate Apartment home on Marina Way, bracing for the usual bumper-to-bumper grind. But this time, something was different.

Instead of battling the gauntlet to reach Richmond Highway, as if she were auditioning for Survivor: The Commute Edition, Meenu glided smoothly onto the newly paved connector. A few minutes later, she was sipping her coffee and chuckling at traffic reports that no longer applied to her since she effortlessly made her way to Gordon Boulevard without the usual delays.

That smooth, scenic shortcut? It’s thanks to the Annapolis Way Connector, part of the $9.5 million North Woodbridge Mobility Improvements Project. And while it may only stretch 0.28 miles, the ripple effects are big enough to shift the way we live, work, and move in Woodbridge.

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

And in this case, it seems our future includes less honking and more strolling.

From Blueprint to Backroad Bypass

Let’s rewind a bit. In 2019, Prince William County unveiled a bold vision for North Woodbridge, a walkable, waterfront town center complete with smart streets, wide sidewalks, and safe bike routes.

One problem: there was no easy way to tie it all together.

Enter Annapolis Way, a previously disjointed road nestled between Gordon Boulevard (Route 123) and Richmond Highway (Route 1). Fast-forward to 2025, and that missing puzzle piece is finally in place, unlocking an easier, breezier way to get around.

The Connector, Unboxed

Okay, let’s break down this beauty:

Feature Details

Length 0.28 miles

Lanes Two vehicle lanes + separate bike and pedestrian paths

Budget $9.5 million (funded by NVTA, local taxes, and proffers)

Developer Prince William County Department of Public Works

Design Firm Rinker Design Associates, PC

Sure, it sounds technical on paper, but in practice? It feels like a breath of fresh air with a side of bike lane.

Why It Matters

Even if it’s shorter than your favorite podcast. Let’s be honest: 0.28 miles doesn’t sound like much until you drive it, bike it, or finally walk your dog without playing sidewalk roulette.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Commutes, Streamlined – Say goodbye to those gnarly left turns onto Route 1. A direct east-west route means less stress and more time for, say, finishing your actual breakfast.

• Bike It Like You Mean It – Wide sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes? Yes, please. Whether you’re out for a jog or teaching your kid to ride, this road says “go for it.”

• Boost for Local Business – Easier access to the marina, the commuter lot, and more coffee shop stops. (River Mill, we see you.)

Built with Team Spirit

“This road’s a little special,” said Rick Canizales, Prince William County’s transportation director. “It was a collaboration between the developer, Transportation, and Public Works.”

Translation? It wasn’t just government red tape and budget battles. This was a true team effort. With public and private partners asking, “How can we make this better?” instead of “Can we afford it?”

Spoiler alert, they did both.

What’s Next for Woodbridge

Just a mile south, the Quartz District is taking shape. We’re talking:

• 1,000+ townhomes
• 300,000+ sq. ft. of retail
• A county park
• A Whole Foods anchor

It’s not just about adding homes and shops, it’s about building a livable, walkable place where you actually want to hang out. Add in public art and infrastructure that links directly to Annapolis Way, and suddenly, you’ve got more than a road; you’ve got a vision for an upbeat and updated Prince William County.

What’s Coming Soon

Keep your eyes open and tires ready:

• Final Paving & Striping – Should be wrapped in the next few weeks.
• Wayfinding Signs – Bright, bold, and designed to help you find the riverfront without guessing.
• County Video Updates – Check out the “On the Move” video series for the latest updates (and maybe a cameo from a traffic cone).

How to Make the Most of the New Connector

You don’t have to wait for a ribbon-cutting to jump in. Try this:

1. Bike the New Route – Challenge yourself to beat your old commute time.
2. Explore Nearby Homes – Improved access can give real estate values a little boost. (Just sayin’.)
3. Lunch Local – Grab a bite at Harbour Grille or easily make your way to the Occoquan Historic District.
4. Sign Up for Alerts – Don’t get caught off guard by overnight construction crews. Knowledge is power, and fewer tire marks.

This Is More Than a Road

Every great neighborhood starts with a connection between places, people, and potential. I always tell my clients: roads may be paved with asphalt, but progress is built on vision.

Listening to Meenu as she shared her recent commute through Annapolis Way reminds me that we’re not just traveling from point A to point B. We’re creating a Woodbridge that moves better, lives easier, and grows smarter.

So, what about you?

Have you tried the new connector? Still waiting for the paint to dry? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you’re wondering how this project might shape your next real estate move, I’m just a click away.

Ready to explore your options in Woodbridge?

Let’s talk! No pressure, just real conversations about where you’re headed next. Contact Michael Brannon