Overview

A Brief History of the Route 28 Bypass

Route 28, which traverses Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William counties, is a critical roadway corridor for Northern Virginia.  As the population in Northern Virginia continues to grow, traffic on Route 28 has increased dramatically.

The Prince William County (PWC) DOT began initial studies in 2016 to identify and evaluate issues with congestion. Based on these preliminary studies, the DOT identified a number of possible solutions, and in September 2020, the PWC Board of Supervisors voted in favor of the Route 28 bypass. This plan has been shown to have the greatest long-term positive impact on traffic congestion and provides relief with the lowest cost to the county. As the project continues, PWC will be planning a final design that minimizes impact to homes and businesses.

The road will be four lanes and approximately 3.5 miles, extending from Godwin Drive at Sudley Road and tie into the existing Route 28 in Fairfax County, south of Compton Road and north of Bull Run.

The NVTA has allocated an additional $89 million toward the approximately $300 million infrastructure project. NVTA allocated $6 million towards the feasibility and environmental studies. The remaining cost could potentially be covered by a $200 million bond referendum approved by County voters on November 5, 2019.

Overview

A Brief History of the Route 28 Bypass

Route 28, which traverses Loudon, Fairfax, and Prince William counties, is a critical roadway corridor for Northern Virginia.  As the population in Northern Virginia continues to grow, traffic on Route 28 has increased dramatically.

The Prince William County (PWC) DOT began initial studies in 2016 to identify and evaluate issues with congestion. Based on these preliminary studies, the DOT identified a number of possible solutions, and in September 2020, the PWC Board of Supervisors voted in favor of the Route 28 bypass. This plan has been shown to have the greatest long-term positive impact on traffic congestion and provides relief with the lowest cost to the county. As the project continues, PWC will be planning a final design that minimizes impact to homes and businesses.

The road will be four lanes and approximately 3.5 miles, extending from Godwin Drive at Sudley Road and tie into the existing Route 28 in Fairfax County, south of Compton Road and north of Bull Run.

The NVTA has allocated an additional $89 million toward the approximately $300 million infrastructure project. NVTA allocated $6 million towards the feasibility and environmental studies. The remaining cost could potentially be covered by a $200 million bond referendum approved by County voters on November 5, 2019.

The Need for the Route 28 Bypass

The intent of this project is to design a roadway that has the greatest long-term impact on the current traffic congestion. The project will help to improve travel times and network reliability for the more than 57,000 vehicles traveling the Route 28 corridor per day. This project will also create the smallest community impact to homes and businesses as possible.

The [Northern Virginia] region is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in the United States.

– Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Northern Virginia accounted for nearly two-thirds of Virginia’s population growth since 2010, with its population increasing by 12.4% during the period.

– UVA Today

Where We Are in the Project

Below are the four project phases broken into years and activities.

2016-2020

Plan & Study

Complete: Route Selected

Approved by PWC Board of County Supervisors in Sep. 2020

  • Develop Concepts
  • Conduct feasibility, environmental, and other studies
  • Evaluate the options

2021-2024

Design & Engineering

We Are Here

  • Develop a Request for Proposal (RFP)
  • Select engineering design firm
  • Complete comprehensive design process
  • Determine the exact location and final design of Route 28 Bypass
  • US Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia DEQ, and Virginia Marine Resources Commission Permits (Joint Permit Application)
  • PWC Board of County Supervisors will review and approve the final design

2024-2025

Right of Way & Utilities

  • Begin working with affected residents
  • Utility work

2025-2027

Construction

  • Groundbreaking
  • Construction
  • Ribbon cutting

2016-2020

Plan & Study

Complete: Route Selected

Approved by PWC Board of County Supervisors in Sep. 2020

  • Develop Concepts
  • Conduct feasibility, environmental, and other studies
  • Evaluate the options

2021-2024

Design & Engineering

We Are Here

  • Develop a Request for Proposal (RFP)
  • Select engineering design firm
  • Complete comprehensive design process
  • Determine the exact location and final design of Route 28 Bypass
  • US Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia DEQ, and Virginia Marine Resources Commission Permits (Joint Permit Application)
  • PWC Board of County Supervisors will review and approve the final design

2024-2025

Right of Way & Utilities

  • Begin working with affected residents
  • Utility work

2025-2027

Construction

  • Groundbreaking
  • Construction
  • Ribbon cutting

What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is a used identify all the impacts, positive and negative, for a one particular project. It also includes the creation and study of several possible alternatives for a project. Work related to the  Route 28 Bypass Feasibility study began in 2016. 

Study Area for Route 28 Corridor Environmental Assessment

For more frequently asked questions on the following categories, please select one of the buttons below.

What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is a used identify all the impacts, positive and negative, for a one particular project. It also includes the creation and study of several possible alternatives for a project. Work related to the  Route 28 Bypass Feasibility study began in 2016. 

Study Area for Route 28 Corridor Environmental Assessment

For more frequently asked questions on the following categories, please select one of the buttons below.

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