The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 29 that the public is invited to review and comment on proposed improvements at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 636 (Hood Drive/Mine Road) in Spotsylvania County.
The department will hold an in-person design public hearing for this project from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg. If needed, a backup date is scheduled for May 20 at the same location. The meeting will be conducted as an open house, allowing attendees to view displays and discuss questions with Virginia Department of Transportation staff.
Materials about the project are also available online, where residents can submit feedback through an online survey. Comments may be provided during the hearing or afterward until Saturday, May 23 by email or mail to Mr. Byrd Holloway at the VDOT Project Management Office Team Lead address.
The proposed $30.8 million project aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and enhance pedestrian access at this busy intersection. Planned changes include widening Route 1 to six lanes with raised medians near Hood Drive/Mine Road and just south of the U.S. Veterans Administration Fredericksburg Healthcare Clinic; expanding Hood Drive to four lanes between its secondary clinic entrance and Route 1; adding pedestrian crossings with signals; connecting new sidewalks with existing networks; and installing a bus turnout and shelter on northbound Route 1 near Business Drive.
Funding for this initiative comes from Virginia’s SMART SCALE program along with local contributions. The construction phase is expected to be advertised for bids in 2029.
According to the official website, the Virginia Department of Transportation focuses on building, maintaining, and operating roads, bridges, and tunnels across Virginia as part of efforts toward a safe transportation system. The agency manages one of America’s largest state highway systems—covering tens of thousands of lane-miles—and provides services such as highway maintenance and traffic management via systems like Virginia 511 according to its official website. VDOT also oversees land-use permits along state routes according to its official website.
VDOT serves as a state agency responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining roadways throughout Virginia according to its official website. Its history dates back over a century—from its origins as the State Highway Commission formed in 1906—to today’s structure managing growing infrastructure needs according to its official website. The department’s headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official website.
