Changes for Route 1 Drivers
All lanes of Route 1, just south of the Capital Beltway — between Fort Hunt Road and the Beltway — will be shifted approximately 50 feet to the left or west side of the roadway starting as early as Friday, Feb. 17. This traffic shift will allow workers to build the first half — east side — of the new Route 1 overpass without taking away lanes. In approximately two weeks, the Route 1 lanes just north of the Beltway will be similarly shifted to the west side of the roadway.
These traffic shifts on Route 1 will remain in effect until the first half of the new Route 1 overpass is completed, scheduled for 2007. At this time, traffic will be shifted onto the newly completed first half, while workers begin building the second half or west side, which is slated for completion, along with all other improvements to the Route 1 Interchange, in 2008/early 2009. The new Route 1 Beltway overpass is the centerpiece of improvements to the Route 1 Interchange.
Because this is a highly constricted work area, a reduced speed limit of 35 miles per hour is in effect in this area of Route 1.
Chamber of Commerce Week
The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution declaring the week of Feb. 19-25 as Chambers of Commerce Week in Fairfax County to recognize the work of the chambers in supporting the business community. On Feb. 22, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a reception honoring 12 business organizations. The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce is one of the chambers to be honored.
“The work of the chambers of commerce in Fairfax County is invaluable in building and representing the local business community,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “These groups provide us with important connections to businesses countywide, large and small, and work with us to help companies stay and grow in Fairfax County.”
Animal Adoption Event
On Sunday, Feb. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. the Fairfax County Animal Shelter will host a special President’s Day Weekend Adoption Event in conjunction with the Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington, Animal Care and Control of Loudoun and Prince William Counties and Manassas Animal Control Services and Control. Residents of these jurisdictions will be able to meet homeless animals from Northern Virginia as well as dogs and puppies recently rescued from the Gulf Coast.
Fairfax County Animal Control Officers and an adoption counselor returned from Gulfport, Miss., on Saturday, Feb. 4 with dogs and puppies that had been left homeless after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last summer. The dogs and puppies were all placed in foster homes for a short adjustment period after first being seen by a local veterinarian. They will make their debut at the Fairfax Shelter on Feb. 19.
In addition to dogs and cats, the shelter expects to have other animals available for adoption at the event, including rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.
MVHS Mulch Sale
The Mount Vernon High School Class of 2006 Parent Council is sponsoring the school’s upcoming, annual spring mulch sale, which is a fund-raiser. The funds raised are used to fund the All Night Graduation Party, which is a community-sponsored event to keep graduates off the roads from 10 p.m. on graduation night until 6 a.m. the next morning.
Mulch is available for the residents of zip code 22309, to be delivered April 1. The group will deliver orders of 10 bags or more; orders with fewer than 10 bags should be picked up at the MVHS parking lot between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Send name, street address, subdivision, delivery instructions and number of bags at $4.10 per bag to: Lee Voltmer, 8616 Bradgate Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. Make checks payable to MVHS PTSA ANGP. $1.75 per bag is a tax deductible contribution. Orders must be received by March 20. Call 571-642-0026 or e-mail gcshapiro@verizon.net for questions.