Route 1 Improvements '20 Years Overdue,' McKay Says

by Raytevia Evans

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay said he's excited about the new Route 1 transportation study, stating that improvements to the major congested highway is way overdue.

"What I'm hoping to get out of the study is not just another study to collect dust on a shelf. What I'm hoping is to get action," McKay told Patch Monday. "This is 20 years overdue, and I believe at the end of the study, we'll have various recommendations for improvement."

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Tranportation (VDRPT) is managing the "Multimodal Transportation Alternatives Analysis" that started in May. AECOM is conducting the study that will — within the next 12 months — analyze transportation along Richmond Highway and host public meetings with stakeholders to determine the best improvement recommendations for Route 1.

According to the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation(SFDC), different modes of transportation that may be considered include bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit (LRT), extended metrorail services, roadway widening and restructured pedestrian and bicycle pathways.

Read more: VDRPT Developing Transportation Study for Richmond Highway

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th) said he is in favor of extending the Yellow Line on the metrorail from Huntington to help with transportation improvements on Route 1.

"From my point of view, extending the [metro] Yellow Line from Huntington is one of the only ways to be able to improve transportation," he said.

However, McKay is in favor of BRT and LRT along Richmond Highway, stating that these improvements can be funded and get started within the next few years. McKay also said the county is currently struggling to extend the metro in Tysons Corner, and Richmond Highway is not exactly the same in comparison economically.

"People need to understand the economics. We're struggling to extend the metro in Tysons, so where would the money come from? It's based on density, which is what Tysons has. You have this land use meets transportation issue as well along Route 1," McKay said. "It's easy to say you're for rail but at some point you have be an adult and realize there are economic issues and land use issues. I'm all for long-term planning but I want to see changes made now. I want to see bus transit improved and light rail transits along Richmond Highway."

The public will have multiple opportunities to voice opinions, ideas and concerns as VDRPT manages the study. The first community meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 2013.

For more updates on the Route 1 transportation analysis as the study continues, visit the SFDC website.