Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland sent out an email that he is going to make sure a pedestrian bridge gets done. This is the text of Pete Candland's email: Dear Friends, As I’m sure you are aware by now, on Tuesday, we experienced a terrible tragedy in the Gainesville District when a young man was struck by a vehicle at the intersection at Rt. 15 and Graduation Drive. Unfortunately, that young man later passed away from his injuries. I ask that your thoughts and prayers be with his family and friends during this terrible time. Over the years, we have made multiple requests to VDOT to install a pedestrian bridge, but unfortunately, each time they claim it doesn’t meet the necessary standards and they make other improvements instead. Each morning, my wife or I drive our son to Battlefield High School. We see how dangerous this area is every single day and we have seen how the traffic has only gotten worse. Personally, I am done being told “no” on this vital infrastructure improvement. We are past the point of hearing excuses from VDOT and I'm working with my colleagues on the Board to get this project started and completed. On Tuesday, I issued a joint directive, along with Chair Wheeler, to direct county staff to work with VDOT to come back with a plan to install a pedestrian bridge. I made it clear that we are not just going to study it or just run traffic counts (even though that is part of the process). We are going to get this done. I also took another step, with the support of my Board colleagues, of issuing an additional directive that would seek to utilize County owned property at the end of Graduation Drive to increase the queuing capacity for cars and buses at Battlefield High School. My hope is this will reduce the volume of school related traffic off Route 15 in the mornings and afternoons. Since this process will take time to complete, I have met with VDOT and County Transportation to implement short and intermediate steps while we go through the pedestrian bridge process. Believe me when I say, all options are on the table. This morning during my meeting with VDOT and County Transportation, we discussed lowering the speed limit, flashing lights, creating a school zone, crossing guards, police patrols and more. They have committed to work as fast as they can to bring proposals ready for immediate implementation. If you have additional ideas you’d like to propose, please email me at gainesville@pwcgov.org and we will make sure your recommendations are heard. Also, if you are in favor of a pedestrian bridge, please email VDOT at Richard.burke@vdot.Virginia.gov. Regarding a much more immediate issue…tonight is a Battlefield football home game. If your kids will be walking to and from the game or going to Giant afterwards, I ask that you talk with your kids and remind them to please be careful crossing that intersection. I have requested that Prince William County Police patrol that intersection before and after the game. I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to get involved in this issue. Your support and passion is critical in getting this accomplished. You have my word that I will do everything in my power to ensure a pedestrian bridge is built and that the many families that live along Route 15 will be provided a safer environment when traveling through this vital corridor. Sincerely, Pete Candland, Supervisor Gainesville Magisterial District