Alexandria Seeks Input On Jefferson Davis Highway Name Change

(Update: Aug. 17 hearing is cancelled.)

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The process for replacing Jefferson Davis Highway (a portion of U.S. 1) with a new name is moving forward with a new Alexandria survey.

The Alexandria City Council voted to remove the name of Confederate leader Jefferson Davis from the city's section of U.S. 1 in 2016. Then in June, the city appointed an advisory group to collect public feedback.

The change would apply to the portion of the road between Arlington County and the north end of Old Town Alexandria. Arlington County also has representatives in the advisory group in the case that it should approve a name change as well. The portion of U.S. named Jefferson Davis Highway ends in Alexandria, as it is named Richmond Highway south in Fairfax County.

The advisory group's survey will be open through Sept. 15, allows respondents to suggest new street names. Residents can make up to three name suggestions and indicate whether they live in Alexandria or Arlington. The advisory group will also hold a public hearing on Sept. 25, for public feedback. Residents and businesses on located Jefferson Davis Highway are also being contacted by mail.

The expects to make a recommendation to the city manager in October. Advisory group meetings will be held in the Community Room of The Station at Potomac Yard (650 Maskell St., Alexandria) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

City spokesperson Craig Fifer told WTOP in May changing road signs could cost around $20,000.

See the survey here.

What do you think should be the new name for Jefferson Davis Highway? Let us know in the comments.

Image via Famartin/Wikimedia Commons