The majority of residents prefer the widen-in-place option for Route 1, according to public comments submitted to the Federal Highway Administration.

The FHWA hosted a public meeting at Hayfield High School in June to kick off the public comment period where residents could submit feedback about Route 1 widening options. Three options were up for consideration: no-action; widening Route 1 in place; or a southeast bypass that winds behind Woodlawn Stables.

The FHWA received comments from 281 people. The widening-in-place option received support from many organizations, including the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, Mount Vernon Civic Coalition, and local legislators including Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th District), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36th) and Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th).

The breakdown of comments submitted is as follows:

• 27 preferred the no build option    
• 15 preferred the bypass option          
• 105 preferred the widen-in-place option     
• 35 preferred widen-in-place with acreage coming from the Woodlawn Plantation side noting the overgrowth and unkempt manner of the unused acreage along the roadside
• 40 commented that the process was non-transparent        
• 126 commented the road should not impact Woodlawn Stables
• 14 commented the road should not impact the National Historic Landmark
• 35 commented that the road should not impact the Woodlawn Baptist Church
• 14 commented that there was a need for transit/preserve the right of way.