Overview:
The Board of County Supervisors, through DIR 20-45 and DIR
20-54, requested staff to begin the process of renaming Jefferson Davis Highway
(Route 1) and develop a plan to mitigate the impacts of renaming Route 1 on
affected businesses.
On September 8, 2020, the Board of County Supervisors
approved a Resolution to request the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board
to change the name of Route 1 in Prince William County from Jefferson Davis
Highway. The link below will direct you to the Board Meeting Resolution and
Presentation provided to the Board. https://eservice.pwcgov.org/documents/bocs/agendas/2020/0908/11-B.pdf
The request was approved by the Virginia Commonwealth
Transportation Board (CTB) on November 24, 2020. The link below will direct you
to the CTB Resolution.
http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2020/november/reso/2.pdf
Next Steps:
The targeted implementation date is July 2022 and as we
move forward, Prince William County staff will develop a communication and
engagement plan with the affected business owners and homeowners. It is during
this process that staff will provide all the detailed information and tools
necessary to make this a smooth transition from Jefferson Davis Highway to
Richmond Highway.
Public information meetings are being scheduled and exact
dates will be forthcoming.
Street Renaming to Richmond Highway - Implementation Target
Date: July 2022 – Draft Schedule
| Process | Estimated Start | Estimated Completions |
| VDOT Review/ CTB Approval | November 2020 | February 2021 |
| Engage with Businesses | November 2020 | July 2023 |
| Addressing Analysis | November 2020 | June 2021 |
| Notification and Records Update | July 2021 | June 2022 |
| BOCS Implements Name Change | July 2022 | July 2022 |
| Notifications, Updates, Installation and Alignment | July 2022 | July 2023 |
Route 1 Renaming FAQ
Why is the County Renaming Jefferson Davis Highway?
On June 16, 2020 the Prince William Board of County Supervisors
issued Directive 20-45 for the County to “Begin the Process of Renaming
Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1)”. The County conducted a nearly 3-month
research and planning process and presented findings to the Board on September
8, 2020. At that time, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously voted to
request that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approve renaming
Jefferson Davis Highway.
What is the Route 1 being Renamed to?
The approved Resolution requests that the Commonwealth Transportation
Board (CTB) rename Jefferson Davis Highway to “Richmond Highway.” This is
consistent with the name of Route 1 in Fairfax County, Arlington County and the
City of Alexandria and will reduce confusion for roadway users.
Why not just call it Route 1?
Assigning a street name is required by local and state
transportation agencies and addresses ordinances. Street names are necessary for official
documents (i.e. business licenses, permits), directional mapping systems and
deliveries, and public emergency response.
Is this official?
Yes. Route 1
in Prince William County is part of the State Highway System and the
Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has authority over the name of the
roadway. The name change of Route 1 became official when the CTB passed a
resolution on November 24, 2020 approving Prince William County’s request.
However, it will still be an 18-month process to change the street signs and
update all of the addresses
When will this happen?
The
targeted implementation date is early 2021 through Summer 2022.
What is the process?
County staff will begin the process of updating addresses and
records. Affected properties will receive direct notification and communication
regarding the process and will have 12 months to prepare. Once the new street
name is implemented, the County will work with properties to resolve any
potential issues.
Will the public be involved?
Yes! Public outreach and opportunities for feedback will be
included in all stages of the process. Public
information meetings are being scheduled and exact dates will be
forthcoming.
What is this going to cost?
The
anticipated minimum cost for the County to rename Route 1 is $1.2 million. This
includes the cost for producing and installing new street signs, staff
resources to update addresses and records and work with the affected properties
and residents to provide a smooth transition.
What about the impacts to small businesses?
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors issued Directive
20-54 to “Develop a Plan to Mitigate the Impacts of Renaming Route 1 on
Affected Small Businesses.” County staff has identified potential costs to
small businesses, including updating signage, print and digital marketing
materials and administrative costs and fees to update licensures and permits.
An estimated cost was included in the presentation to the Board on
September 8, 2020. The County will work with affected businesses to develop a
more detailed plan for mitigating impacts. To
this end, the
Department of Economic Development has sent a survey to impacted business
owners via U.S. mail with postage-paid return envelopes. The County asks that
businesses who receive the survey take the time to complete it by January 15, 2021, as their
feedback is instrumental in helping the County identify the most impactful
resources available to assist businesses during this time of change. The
survey is also available online until January 15, 2021, using this link.
Where will the money come from?
Renaming Route 1 and mitigating impacts to small businesses will
be included in the County’s fiscal year (FY 2022) budget process. During this
process, appropriate funding level and sources will be identified and presented
to the public and Board for consideration.
In the meantime, if you are a resident or business owner
with questions or comments about this process, please email the Renaming Route
1 Task Force at Rt1renaming@pwcgov.org or give us a call at 703.792.6825.
