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City hosting pre-construction meeting for median project on Route 1 in Old Town

Alexandria will host a pre-construction meeting on Monday (May 11) ahead of several months of planned construction on a section of Route 1 in Old Town.

The city says that its South Patrick Street Median Improvement Project will “improve pedestrian safety and improve connectivity between the Southwest Quadrant neighborhood and Old Town Alexandria east of South Patrick Street (US Route 1).” The project, totaling nearly $4.3 million, is expected to break ground on June 1 and wrap up in late January 2027, according to a meeting description.

Monday’s pre-construction meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m. at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street).

The upcoming project’s proposed roadway plan features a median on S. Patrick Street between Wolfe and Jefferson streets, as well as “street trees, pedestrian refuge areas, curb ramp upgrades, additional crosswalks and pedestrian signals,” according to the city.

The project is funded through a Virginia Department of Transportation SMART SCALE Grant.

According to the city:

The City of Alexandria is improving pedestrian safety along South Patrick Street between (approximately) Wolfe Street and Jefferson Street. Project improvements include adding street trees, pedestrian refuge areas, curb ramp upgrades, additional crosswalks and pedestrian signals. The streetscape outside of the curb will be constructed as development occurs. The project was recommended in the South Patrick Street Small Area Plan and helps to break down the barrier between the communities on the east and west side of Route 1, stitching together these communities with safe access and connections.

The S. Patrick Street Median Improvement Project in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

Map and blueprint via City of Alexandria.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.