Supervisor Calls for Closure of Route 28 Bypass Project

The future of the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project has come under scrutiny once again, as Supervisor Yesli Vega expressed a lack of confidence in its viability during a December 2024 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting. Vega directed county staff to draft a resolution for the board to formally consider canceling and closing out the county’s involvement in the project, expected to cost more than $300 million — a massive amount for a local road project.

“The Route 28 Bypass Project is a major regional transportation project administered by Prince William County. While I acknowledge and appreciate all the planning, design, engineering, and community engagement that has occurred across multiple jurisdictions, I no longer have confidence the project is viable or maintains the necessary support to move forward,” Vega stated.

The proposed resolution, presented at an upcoming board meeting, aims to allow the board to deliberate openly and determine the next steps for the controversial project.

The Route 28 Bypass Project was conceived to address severe traffic congestion along the Route 28 corridor, which would Prince William County to Fairfax County, via a four-mile extension of Godwin Drive. The project would affect about 70 homes along Flat Branch Creek, which aims to link Godwin’s terminus, Sudley Road (Route 234 business), near the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, to Route 28 in Fairfax County. The project has been in the design and engineering phases for at least four years, with substantial investments in planning and community outreach.

The project was included in a county bond referendum approved by voters, which adds another layer of complexity to discussions about its potential cancellation.

Concerns and Uncertainty

Vega’s comments reflect growing skepticism about the feasibility and community support for the bypass. She highlighted the conflicting information circulating about the project and called for greater clarity.

“There are a lot of conversations going on, a lot of he-said-she-said, and I know there are outside groups who have been pushing for this project for years,” said Vega, who represents homeowners that would be affected by the new roadway. “I definitely think that having an open and transparent discussion is critical.”

Other supervisors echoed the need for clarity and public engagement. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry noted that stakeholders, including Manassas and Manassas Park cities, are also partners in the project. Supervisor Kenny Boddye emphasized the importance of a public discussion, given that voters initially approved the project through a bond referendum.

“This project needs transparency and input from everyone involved. The community deserves an open discussion about whether we move forward or close it out,” Boddye said.

County staff, led by Director of Transportation Rick Canizales, will prepare the resolution and provide additional information about the project’s current status. Supervisors have requested input from all stakeholders, including neighboring jurisdictions and regional partners.

Discussions will also address past collaboration between jurisdictions. Vega and other supervisors questioned whether an executive committee previously tasked with overseeing the project had been active in recent years, potentially contributing to the lack of coordination.

Canceling the Route 28 Bypass Project would likely have significant implications for traffic management and development in Prince William County. Supporters argue that the bypass is essential to alleviating congestion and improving connectivity. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about environmental impacts, community displacement, and the project’s overall cost.

The board’s upcoming discussion on the resolution will serve as a critical juncture for the project, offering supervisors and the public an opportunity to weigh its future.