Richmond Highway Project Could Displace Homes, Businesses

MOUNT VERNON, VA—As planning for the Richmond Highway Corridor Project continues, a new environmental assessment suggests displacements of businesses and homes are possible.

The project affects a nearly 3-mile portion of Route 1 from Jeff Todd Way to Napper Road. Under the proposed design, the section of the road will be widened from four to six lanes, get bike paths and sidewalks on both sides of the road, and reserve the median width for Fairfax County's future Bus Rapid Transit plans for dedicated bus-only lanes.

According to the Environmental Assessment, the proposal could require these displacements: six residential parcels with five single-family homes and 12 trailers, 32 business parcels with 46 individual businesses and two religious community facilities on two parcels. After updates to the preliminary design, the estimated displacements had been changed from a previous environmental study in March (40 housing units on six residential parcels, 38 commercial buildings with 25 parcel acquisitions, one undeveloped parcel zoned commercial, and two community facilities on two parcels).

Other findings from the study include:

• "It is probable that not all displacements would be borne by minorities and the impact would not be disproportionate and adverse. (page 4)
• "All persons displaced due to federally-assisted projects would be treated fairly, consistently, and equitably. Relocation resources would be available to all displaced residents and businesses without discrimination." (page 60)
• "Although noise impacts would occur along the Richmond Highway in the Study Area, these impacts can be mitigated by installing new barriers where they are determined to be feasible and reasonable. Because this is already an existing heavily traveled highway, future build condition noise levels would not be substantially higher than no-build condition noise levels." (page 15)

Approval of the design is expected in spring 2019. Construction could begin in 2023 and be completed in 2025.

The Richmond Highway improvement project seeks to adress congestion, improve safety and add bike baths and pedestrian walkways on the busy road. According to the environmental study, there were an average 38,645 daily trips in 2016 between Jeff Todd Way and Buckman Road. When the improved road is expected to be ready in 2025, VDOT expects 52,255 daily trips.

The public can submit feedback on the design and environmental study through Dec. 6.

VDOT will hold a meeting on Monday, Oct. 29 from 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22039, about the project, preferred design plans and environmental assessment. VDOT staff will be on hand to answer questions. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

Comments can be provided at the meeting, emailed to RichmondHighway@vdot.virginia.gov or mailed to Mr. Dan Reinhard, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit the Richmond Highway project page for more information. View the full environmental study here.

Image via VDOT Vnvironmental Assessment