“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.
A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nokesville has been arrested. On January 8, 2025, Prince William County Police apprehended James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge. Byrd faces charges of involuntary manslaughter – DUI related and DUI for his role in the crash that occurred on August 28, 2024, along Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive.
Police reported that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the life of Thomas Spencer Stark, 63, of Nokesville, who was driving a 2003 Lexus GX. Byrd’s court date is pending, and bond information is unavailable.
The crash occurred at 6:24 p.m. on August 28, 2024, when Byrd’s eastbound Tundra crossed the center line into the westbound lane, colliding head-on with Stark’s vehicle, police said. The impact caused Stark’s Lexus to spin off the roadway and rest in a ditch. Stark was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Byrd sustained minor injuries and was also transported to a hospital for treatment.
Following the crash, investigators with the Prince William County Police Crash Investigation Unit issued arrest warrants for Byrd on December 11, 2024. Attempts to locate him were initially unsuccessful.
OmniRide has announced adjusted operations for Tuesday, January 7, in response to anticipated inclement weather conditions. Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) has also confirmed the suspension of all transit services on Monday, January 6, due to the weather, with plans to resume operations on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
OmniRide Service Updates for Tuesday, January 7
OmniRide services will operate as follows, weather permitting:
- Express Commuter Service: Buses will run hourly between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Service will begin at 6 a.m. from commuter lots to Metro Stations, with the last trip leaving the Metro Stations at 5 p.m. Rides will be free.
- Western Service area: University Commuter Lot to West Falls Church Metro Station
- Eastern Service area: Horner Road Commuter Lot (Stop #1) to Franconia-Springfield
- Metro Express: No service
- Local Service: Local routes and the East-West Express will operate on weekend schedules
- Connect Microtransit: No service
- Connect Paratransit: No service
Any further updates will be sent via Rider Express messages and posted on OmniRide.com. For inquiries, OmniRide’s Customer Service Team is available at 703-730-6664.
Due to inclement weather, Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) will not operate on Monday, January 6. Administrative offices will remain closed. Service is expected to resume on Tuesday, January 7, at 10 a.m. Additional information is available on the FXBGO! website or by following @FXBGO on Facebook.
Manassas Park Resident Jose Rafael Lizama pled guilty Friday, January 3, 2024, to felony Involuntary Manslaughter stemming from a December 2, 2023 crash where Lizama admitted to striking and killing pedestrian Justin Burns, 39, of Blackstone, Va.
Lizama appeared with an interpreter, and his lawyer stood before Judge Angela Horan and took responsibility for the 11 p.m. crash in front of Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas.
During Lizama’s preliminary hearing in May 2024, Prosecutors presented evidence, including a nearby homeowner’s security camera footage that caught Lizama’s van traveling at a high rate of speed, striking Burns as he crossed the street in an unlit area of Center Street.
Manassas police crash investigators testified Lizama was traveling nearly double the posted 25 mph speed limit and said the foggy weather was a factor in the crash. Police also testified that Lizama was determined to be under the influence of alcohol by more than twice the legal limit of .08.
The plea agreement between prosecutors and the Lizama recommends a five year prison term, however the court does not have to honor that agreement and can impose up to ten years in prison based on Virginia law. Judge Moran went into detail to ensure Lizama understood that the agreement’s recommendations did not bind her. Lizama has a history of alcohol and driving-related convictions, which will likely play into Horan’s sentencing decision.
Kim Burns, the mother of the victim, who has attended all of Lizama’s court hearings, told Potomac Local News that she’s “glad he took responsibility and glad that [Burns’] friends and family don’t have to go through a trial,” she added “but it doesn’t bring my son back.”
Horan revoked Lizama’s bond, and he was taken into custody. He is scheduled to appear before Horan for sentencing on April 3, 2025.
Lizama has a history of alcohol and speed legal issues, including a 2021 charge of drinking in public in Westmoreland County, where he paid a fine and court cost, as well as a dismissed speeding charge where he was accused of exceeding the speed limit by over 20 mph in Prince William County in 2018.
Burns, a Manassas native, was visiting friends on the night he was struck and killed. Lizama was twice taken to jail and later released following the incident after the Prince William County court refused to keep him behind bars.
Kelly Hannon, spokesperson for VDOT’s Fredericksburg District, emphasized the challenges faced by crews during the storm. “Our teams have been making repeated passes since it started snowing around midnight,” Hannon said. “We’ve focused on major routes like I-95, Route 1, Route 17, and Route 610 to ensure access to critical areas, including public safety facilities.”
Send us your snow photos to [email protected], on X @PotomacLocal, or text to 571-989-1695
Two Waves of Snow and More to Come
While a brief lull in snowfall provided some respite, Hannon warned against complacency. “We’re expecting another 4 to 6 inches of snow this afternoon and evening,” she said. “Crews will return to primary routes and the interstate to keep them traversable for emergency personnel and those who must travel.”
VDOT’s priority is to push as much snow as possible off the travel lanes and shoulders before temperatures drop below 20 degrees tonight. A significant refreeze is expected, which could make snow removal even more difficult. Hannon noted that while the light, fluffy snow moves easily with plows, the incoming frigid temperatures create icy conditions that pose serious hazards.
When asked to grade drivers on their adherence to VDOT’s plea to stay off the roads, Hannon said, “We’ve seen a lot of people staying home, and we’re very grateful. If everyone can stick with us a little longer through the rest of tonight, it will help our crews tremendously.” She added that venturing out too soon could lead to treacherous driving conditions as snow continues to fall.
VDOT’s approach prioritizes the roads with the highest traffic volumes. “Interstate 95 comes first, followed by alternate routes like Route 1, and then primary roads connecting to the interstate,” Hannon explained. Secondary roads and residential streets are addressed later. “We will get to everyone,” she assured. However, due to the storm’s scale and low temperatures, residents shouldn’t expect bare pavement immediately.
VDOT has mobilized more than 900 pieces of snow removal equipment to tackle the storm. “This is a huge responsibility,” Hannon said. “Our staff and contractors train year-round for events like this. Their dedication to serving the community is immense, and we couldn’t do this without our contractor partners who join us during the winter.”
Storm totals
Here are the snow totals from highest to lowest for these areas, as reported by the National Weather Service and trained spotters:
Prince William County
- Nokesville: 8.5 inches
- Dale City: 7.6 inches
- Woolsey (1 SW): 6.3 inches
- Dale City: 6.0 inches
- Triangle: 6.0 inches
Stafford County
- Arkendale : 8.0 inches
- Stafford: 7.5 inches
- Holly Corner : 6.0 inches
Fredericksburg
- Dunavant (1 S): 6.0 inches
Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates and more stories about the community’s response to this winter storm.
Snow plowing will begin as soon as accumulation occurs, with priority given to main roads, including Route 1, Route 3, Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street, Caroline Street, and Lafayette Boulevard. Secondary streets will be addressed as conditions allow. Residents are urged to stay off the roads Sunday night and Monday to ensure crews and public safety personnel can operate without unnecessary obstacles.
Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) will operate on a 4-hour delay on Monday, January 6, due to inclement weather. Service may be further adjusted based on road conditions. Updates are available on the FXBGO! website or Facebook page.
Additionally, all City Government Offices and courts will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the storm.
Here’s the full press release: Read More
Residents across Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge should brace for what could be the most significant winter storm in years, with snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches forecasted. The storm is set to begin Sunday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain through Monday and potentially into early Tuesday.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, mobilizing state resources to prepare for hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service reports that the storm’s impact will depend on its track, with a northern trajectory bringing more ice and a southern track resulting in heavier snow across the area.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has activated its highest level of preparedness. “We’re mobilizing more than 900 pieces of equipment and have pre-treated major roadways, including Interstate 95, with brine to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces,” said Kelly Hannon of VDOT’s Fredericksburg District. Crews are also staging towing equipment along major routes to quickly address incidents.
Travel Warnings and Road Preparations
VDOT urges residents to complete all essential travel by Sunday and avoid driving during the storm. “Staying off the roads not only ensures your safety but allows our crews to clear snow and ice effectively,” Hannon emphasized. The storm is expected to bring snow at rates of up to an inch per hour, with periods of sleet and freezing rain complicating road conditions. Frigid temperatures following the storm could prolong icy conditions, hindering recovery efforts.
Lessons from the Past
Memories of the January 2022 snowstorm that stranded motorists on Interstate 95 loom large for hours. Hannon stressed the importance of staying home during hazardous weather, as treacherous conditions can halt even the most prepared response teams.
VDOT plans to prioritize interstates and primary roads but acknowledges that secondary streets may take longer to clear. Residents can track road-clearing progress through VDOT’s online resources.
As the storm approaches, Potomac Local News will provide updates on closures, travel conditions, and recovery efforts. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to our email newsletter or follow us online for the latest information.
Officials urge everyone to heed warnings and prepare for several days of challenging weather.
All work is scheduled, weather permitting. That’s a big “if,” with at least two to four inches of snow forecast for the region. Updated information is available online.
Stafford County
Route 3 (Kings Highway) Bridge Repairs
Alternating lane closures at the Route 3 bridge over railroad tracks between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road. Repairs scheduled Sunday through Thursday, 9 p.m.–6 a.m.
Berea Church Road Closure
Closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place for road improvements. Northbound access from Route 17 is also restricted.
Fredericksburg
Route 1 at Fall Hill Avenue & Princess Anne Street/Hanson Avenue Intersections
Intersection improvement projects continue with intermittent single lane and shoulder closures. Most lane closures occur overnight or outside peak commute times. Expected completion: June 2026.
Lafayette Boulevard at Twin Lakes/Kensington
Construction for a $2.4 million bicycle and pedestrian connector project is underway. Completion is anticipated by November 2025.
Interstate 95
Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Off-Ramp
Southbound
Alternating single lane closures nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. for ramp widening and the addition of a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.
Route 1 Southbound Widening
Between I-95 Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Southpoint Parkway
A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway, along with traffic islands for safety improvements.
Completion expected August 2025.
Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening
Near I-95
Mudd Tavern Road widening to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1, with additional access routes under construction. Completion expected May 2025.
Spotsylvania County
Route 1 Northbound & Southbound
Alternating lane closures from the I-95 southbound off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Southpoint Parkway
Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1 for safety improvements and traffic island installation. Scheduled Sunday–Monday (7:30 p.m.–5:30 a.m.) and Monday–Thursday (9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
Route 620 (Harrison Road) Widening
Reconstruction and widening to four lanes between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road. Includes new sidewalks and pedestrian signal equipment. Expected completion: late summer 2026.
With a major snowstorm expected to impact the region starting Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on its winter storm preparations late last month.
Andrew Thorpe, Assistant Resident Engineer, presented an overview of VDOT’s snow removal strategies during a recent meeting, emphasizing readiness across Stafford and neighboring counties.
The upcoming storm, fueled by a low-pressure system moving west to east, is forecast to bring significant wintry precipitation to the area. Snow is likely across most of the region, with sleet and freezing rain expected in southern areas late Sunday.
The system will exit the region by late Monday or early Tuesday.
An elevated winter storm threat is expected late Sun.-Mon. There is increasing confidence in regards to potential travel impacts & closures, especially for the Monday commute. More detailed snow & ice totals will be provided within the next 24 hrs at https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf. pic.twitter.com/g1dU0K8xvh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 2, 2025
Thorpe outlined VDOT’s preparations, which include the allocation of $220 million statewide for snow removal and deployment of over 900 pieces of snow removal equipment across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. Stafford County alone will see more than 260 hired snow removal units, alongside VDOT-owned equipment. Crews have stockpiled 29,000 tons of salt and sand and 58,000 gallons of salt brine for pre-treatment.
Preparations began in July with contractor coordination and continued with a recent dry run to finalize plans. VDOT’s tiered approach prioritizes clearing Interstate 95, primary roads, and access to public safety facilities before moving to high-volume secondary roads and subdivisions. During severe storms, plows focus on making roads passable for emergency vehicles, with follow-up efforts to fully clear roadways as conditions improve.
Thorpe emphasized the importance of technology, including GPS tracking on equipment, which allows for real-time monitoring of plowing progress. Residents can access live updates on v.plows.org and view road conditions through the 511 website and app.
He also encouraged drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather, ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, and use proper shoveling techniques to minimize re-blocking driveways after plows pass.
The Board of Supervisors thanked VDOT for its proactive planning and dedication to keeping roads safe. Residents with concerns or inquiries can contact VDOT’s 24/7 customer service center at 1-800-4-ROAD.
