Route 28 Widening Proposal Sparks Debate in Manassas Area

Officials weigh options to expand key commuter corridor between Manassas and Fairfax

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:25am

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An abstract, colorful image of a busy highway with vehicles blurred into streaks of motion, conceptually representing the potential impact of expanding Route 28 in Manassas.The proposed widening of Route 28 in Manassas could significantly impact the flow of commuter traffic along this crucial regional corridor.Manassas Today

Prince William County leaders are considering whether to widen Route 28 from four to six lanes between Manassas and Fairfax County, a move that could significantly impact local commutes. Officials are debating funding, design details, and coordination with state transportation plans before upcoming budget decisions.

Why it matters

Route 28 is a crucial commuter corridor connecting Manassas to job centers in Fairfax, and any changes to its capacity could affect traffic patterns and travel times for thousands of residents. The proposed widening is part of broader efforts to improve regional transportation infrastructure, but it has raised questions about costs, environmental impacts, and the overall vision for the corridor.

The details

The potential Route 28 widening project would add two additional lanes to the existing four-lane highway between Liberia Avenue in Manassas and the Fairfax County border. County supervisors are weighing funding options, design specifics, and how to coordinate the work with nearby transportation projects before making budget decisions. The goal is to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow along this heavily traveled route.

  • Prince William County supervisors are currently debating the Route 28 widening proposal.
  • Upcoming budget decisions in the next few months will determine if the project moves forward.

The players

Prince William County

The local government entity responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure and planning in the Manassas area.

Route 28

A major north-south highway connecting Manassas to job centers in Fairfax County, known for heavy commuter traffic.

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What they’re saying

“We must carefully consider the costs, environmental impacts, and overall vision for Route 28 before committing to a major widening project.”

— Prince William County Supervisor

What’s next

Prince William County officials will make a final decision on the Route 28 widening proposal in the coming months as part of the county's budget process.

The takeaway

The potential Route 28 widening highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing regional transportation needs, local community impacts, and budgetary constraints. As Manassas continues to grow, finding the right solutions for its key commuter corridors will be crucial for supporting economic development and quality of life.