A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.

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Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2025) at 2:39 p.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 95 southbound at the 151-mile marker in Prince William County.

A 2020 Lexus RX was stopped on the right shoulder of the express lanes when it was struck by a 2022 Ford F-250 that had gone off of the right side of the road.  After being struck, the Lexus hit the guardrail and then went back into the travel lanes, where it stopped, facing traffic.

The driver of the Lexus, Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, Va. died at the scene.  He was wearing a seatbelt.  A passenger, Shannon S. Lee, 25, suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.  She was also wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Ford F-250, Jeremy S. Kubela, 43, of Fredericksburg, Va., was not injured.  He has been charged with reckless driving.

The crash remains under investigation.

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.

Fairfax County, a key stakeholder, did not commit to securing right-of-way approvals needed to move the project forward. “We’ve been trying tooth and nail to find an alignment and a price point that would work for this county… But I sit here wondering when that five and a half million dollars becomes $8 million, becomes $10 million, becomes $16 million just to get the project through design,” said Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, who led the charge to kill the project.

Divided Board, Heated Debate

Supervisors clashed over the decision, with some arguing that the project’s cancellation would leave commuters stranded without a straightforward solution to congestion. Vega, representing the district most impacted by the bypass, was vocal about her opposition to the cancellation. “What are we fighting for? Aside from everything that you stated, I’ll tell you what I’ve been fighting for for the past five years. I’ve been fighting for the people that live in these communities… Do we have a problem on Route 28? Yes, we do. Are we going to do something about it? Yes, we will. Because I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word, and we’re going to follow through on that,” Vega said.

Others supported the cancellation, citing financial realities and the lack of regional cooperation. Supervisor Bob Weir pointed to Fairfax County’s refusal to support the project, stating, “Is it not correct that Fairfax County, particularly Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, has stalemated us for months, and we have been spinning our wheels?” Canizales confirmed that he had been discussing right-of-way issues with Fairfax officials for nearly three years without progress.

Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye argued that the project had become an unsustainable financial burden, stating, “We have to find a mechanism for giving this project a hundred million more dollars to even say it’s fully funded to continue on with the project. And right now, neither the CIP nor the five-year plan have any kind of plan for that money.”

Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin acknowledged the lack of viable alternatives but noted that either way, taxpayers would be footing the bill. “I just want to point out that if we’re canceling the project, we’re going to have to pay out-of-pocket likely for another project. And if we keep the project, you’re saying that we still have to come out-of-pocket. So I just want to be clear that either way, we’re coming out-of-pocket,” she said.

Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy also frustrated with regional politics, stating, “Regionalism really doesn’t work here. There are those that have, and then there are those that have not. And those that have wanted to continue to hold those of us who have not under their thumb. And this is a perfect example of that.”

Franklin, Angry, and Bailey voted to keep it, while Vega, Gordy, Boddye, and Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson voted to kill it.

What’s Next for Route 28?

With the cancellation of the bypass, county officials are now looking at alternative solutions to address congestion along Route 28. One option under consideration is widening the existing roadway, though officials acknowledge that this project would also require significant funding and would need to be evaluated by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for regional funding eligibility.

Despite the board’s decision, the county must now negotiate the financial closeout of the project with NVTA, which had allocated $89 million in funding. Approximately $5.9 million of those funds had already been spent on design and environmental studies and will need to be repaid. The remaining funds will return to NVTA’s regional pool, where Prince William County must compete for future transportation funding.

Residents and local business owners who have long relied on Route 28 for their daily commutes remain concerned about what comes next. “Something needs to be done,” said Vega. “I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word. We’re going to follow through on that.”

The board is expected to discuss alternative plans in upcoming meetings, focusing on securing funding for a new congestion relief strategy.

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

A Project Years in the Making

The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.

The selected plan, known as 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.

However, as development progressed, the county encountered significant obstacles, including:

• Difficulty in acquiring land inside and outside Prince William County, leading to potential legal disputes over property condemnation.
• Environmental, utility, and historic preservation concerns complicated construction.
• High costs and engineering challenges, particularly regarding bridge and retaining wall designs.

In October 2023, the county attempted to salvage the project by exploring Modified Alternative 2A, a version that would have followed the same route but turned east to rejoin Route 28 south of Bull Run. While this alternative kept the project within Prince William County’s jurisdiction, it ultimately proved even more expensive and disruptive, failing to deliver the intended benefits.

Why Cancel the Project?

Supervisor Vega and other proponents of cancellation argue that continuing the Route 28 Bypass is no longer a viable solution. The county’s transportation staff has recommended ending the project, citing mounting financial and logistical barriers.

The $89 million in funding allocated from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for the bypass has already seen over $6.5 million spent on planning and early development. If the project is canceled, there is a possibility that NVTA may request repayment of its reimbursements with interest, requiring further financial negotiations.

Vega specifically cited concerns about the impact on working-class communities along the proposed bypass route, stating:

“The Loch-Lomond and Yorkshire neighborhoods in addition to the Bull Run Trailer Park lay right along the proposed alignment for the bypass. These are very working-class neighborhoods with significant Hispanic and minority populations where the average home value is not even half the county average in many instances.”

She also emphasized the human cost of the project, adding:

“With little consideration for residents, over 70+ homes in the Coles District would be affected, displacing families from their homes and forcing taxpayers to fund millions of dollars for a project that does not solve the problem of 28 being less congested than it is today. This is why I have opposed the Route 28 Bypass Project.”

Supporters of Vega’s resolution believe canceling the bypass will:

• Open the door for alternative congestion relief solutions
• Avoid further disruptions to homeowners and environmentally sensitive areas
• Provide flexibility in reallocating remaining funds toward cost-effective, innovative transportation projects

What’s at Stake?

Opponents argue that without the bypass, congestion on Route 28 will continue to worsen, particularly for commuters traveling between Manassas, Centreville, and Dulles. Local businesses that rely on efficient transportation networks may also feel the strain if alternative solutions are not identified quickly.

Moreover, residents along Route 28 have long expressed frustration with traffic bottlenecks. Many supported the project when it was included in the 2019 Mobility Bond Referendum, raising concerns that abandoning it now might betray voter expectations.

What Comes Next?

If the board votes to cancel the project, county transportation officials will begin exploring other congestion relief measures, though no concrete alternatives have been proposed yet. Discussions will likely center around enhanced public transit options, road widening initiatives, and improved traffic signal coordination.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors meets at 2 p.m. at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.

Due to an unforeseen number of staff absences, Stafford County Public Schools is experiencing bus delays this afternoon.

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Fatal Crash in Nokesville Claims the Life of Manassas Driver

A fatal crash in Nokesville on January 30 has left one man dead and another injured, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The incident occurred at approximately 3:28 p.m. at the intersection of Aden Road and Parkgate Drive.

Authorities report that the driver of a 2008 Nissan Titan, identified as 29-year-old David Joseph Russell Callen of Manassas, was traveling southbound on Aden Rd at a high rate of speed. The Titan crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with a 2022 Subaru Outback heading in the opposite direction. The force of the collision caused the Titan to leave the roadway, rolling several times before coming to a stop on its roof.

Callen, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Subaru Outback, a 37-year-old woman from Gainesville, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a nearby hospital.

Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward and contact the police. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The police department urges motorists to always wear their seatbelts and drive safely to prevent tragic accidents like this.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Department.

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Stafford County Police Investigate Bomb Threat on School Bus

A juvenile is facing a serious charge after allegedly making a bomb threat on a school bus in Stafford County on January 30.

At 4:26 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Monument Drive and Muster Drive following reports of a bomb threat. The investigation revealed that a middle school student, while riding the bus home from Rodney Thompson Middle School, loudly claimed to have a bomb. Sergeant J.T. Harrod III arrived and removed the student from the bus.

A search of the bus found no explosive device, and the threat was determined to be unfounded. Juvenile Intake was contacted, and the student was released to a parent. The juvenile faces a charge of threatening to bomb, with the case still under investigation.

Police did not release the age of the juvenile involved in the incident. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the matter.

Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.

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Crews from Stafford Utilities are repairing a water main break on Route 1 southbound near Centreport Parkway. The far-right and center lanes of the highway will be closed to traffic as repairs are made, though the far left lane remains open. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution through the area.

Stafford County spokeswoman Shannon Eubanks said one customer remains without water due to the break. The cause of the water main rupture is still under investigation.

There is no estimated completion time for the repairs, as crews must first identify the problem before calculating how long it will take to fix it. Howell emphasized that safety remains a priority and urged drivers to avoid the closed lanes where possible.

More as we have it.

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system.

Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and significant infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. These initiatives are designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.

Saturday Service: A Long-Awaited Step Forward

One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines; this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded highways in the region.

Although the exact start date and routes for the Saturday service remain under wraps, VRE Operations Board members expressed excitement about the initiative. However, some voiced concerns about the impact of shifting commuter patterns, particularly in light of the ongoing rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements. Despite these uncertainties, there is optimism that the Saturday service will meet demand and contribute to the long-term growth of VRE, expanding its service offerings and supporting regional ridership.

A Milestone for the Manassas Line

In addition to the upcoming Saturday service, the VRE board approved a significant $155 million funding agreement to acquire the Manassas Line. This agreement is a critical step in VRE’s plan to substantially improve the line’s infrastructure over the next five years. With an emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and improving the passenger experience, the funds will support the upgrade of stations, the relocation of midday storage to Alexandria’s Seminary Yard, and the separation of freight and passenger train traffic, ultimately reducing congestion and increasing efficiency.

According to officials, the commitment to acquiring the Manassas Line is pivotal for VRE, solidifying its control over operations.

Addressing Parking Challenges

As VRE works to expand service and accommodate more passengers, parking challenges have become a central concern. The board approved a lease extension for parking at Rippon Station in Woodbridge, one of the most affected by high demand. The lack of parking spaces during peak hours has been a significant issue for commuters, and the extension will allow VRE more time to explore permanent solutions.

Among the strategies being considered to address parking shortages are acquiring additional land for new parking structures, expanding current parking lots, and partnerships with private developers and local governments to create multi-use spaces that combine parking with retail or residential developments.

Key Infrastructure Projects: Seminary Yard and Long Bridge

In addition to expanding services, VRE is pushing forward with critical infrastructure projects that will improve the overall reliability and capacity of the rail network. The redevelopment of Seminary Yard, a freight rail yard in Alexandria, is a key project that will be transformed to accommodate passenger trains. This project will help VRE store and maintain its growing fleet more efficiently, with a phased approach aiming to start utilizing parts of the yard by the end of 2025.

Another key project is the Long Bridge upgrades, which involve both the Long Bridge North and South initiatives. These upgrades aim to separate freight and passenger rail traffic, reducing congestion and improving service reliability. The completion of these projects will pave the way for an expanded rail system that can better serve both commuter and freight needs, ensuring that the region’s rail infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand.