About the Project - Route 28 Bypass Project

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 Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved an alternative, including budget endorsement.

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

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.

The DOT team is currently conducting the second phase, Design & Engineering.

2016-2020

Plan & Study

Complete

Approved by PWC Board of County Supervisors in Sep. 2020

See Activities

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

2021-2025

Design & Engineering

We Are Here

See Activities

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
Finalize property acquisition plats and appraisals

2026-2027

Right of Way & Utilities

See Activities

Submit property acquisition offers and negotiate with impacted property owners and tenants
Coordinate utility relocation activities

2027-2028

Construction

See Activities

Groundbreaking
Construction
Ribbon cutting

2016-2020

Plan & Study

Completed

Approved by PWC Board of County Supervisors in Sep. 2020

See Activities

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

2021-2025

Design & Engineering

We Are Here

See Activities

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
Finalize property acquisition plats and appraisals

2026-2027

Right of Way & Utilities

See Activities

Submit property acquisition offers and negotiate with impacted property owners and tenants
Coordinate utility relocation activities

2027-2028

Construction

See Activities

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.

See Feasibility Study

Full list of definitions select here

Study Area for Route 28 Corridor Environmental Studies