MANASSAS, Va. — After more than 12 years in the making, Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish and other officials opened a new longer runway at the city’s Regional Airport.
The runway at Virginia’s largest municipal airport has been extended to 6,200 feet – 500 feet longer than it was before – providing new safety improvements, reduced aircraft noise for those who live nearby, and with new improvements to ground instruments pilots flying in heavy fog can now land when approaching from the south.
“We can now extend our reach in Manassas, to the rest of the nation, and to the world,” said Parrish.
The airport was built in its current location off Va. 28 since 1964. It contributes $235 million to the local economy as well as helps to provide jobs for more than 1,000 people in Manassas and Prince William County, said Parrish.
The mayor began flying at this airport when he was young. It’s where he got his pilot’s license, and while reminiscing at a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, he told attendees the city’s first airport was established in 1937 at what is now Manaport Plaza across from Manassas Mall.
“That was well before Interstate 66 was here,” he said.
The $4.6 million runway expansion here was one of several projects to improve the airport in recent years.
“It’s fitting this being the day before Thanksgiving because many are thankful that this project is over,” said Manassas Regional Airport Director Juan E. Rivera.
With the longer runway comes new opportunities for flying in summer weather, city officials posted in a press release:
The 6,200 foot runway means that aircraft taking off and landing at the Manassas Regional Airport will allow aircraft owners to maximize the capability of their aircraft by providing the opportunity to take on more fuel for coast-to-coast flights. In addition, most aircraft can now maximize their takeoff capabilities. On the hottest summer days an aircraft can now take off with a tank full of fuel.
And because Manassas is just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., and that federal city has a large party planned to inaugurate President Barack Obama into a second term, the airport hopes to get planes to land here for the event.
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Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
The Northern Virginia real estate market is shifting, with demand growing in Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, outpacing Fairfax County. Mark Worrilow, a real estate expert with Fathom Realty, attributes this to affordability, improved commuting options, and enhanced quality of life. Homebuyers find better value in these areas without sacrificing convenience. Inventory is rising, offering more options for buyers, though competition remains strong. Interest rates have stabilized, leading more buyers to enter the market. Worrilow emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced realtor to navigate these trends and make informed real estate decisions in this evolving market.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
