Home > Route Selection > US 1 > History > Virginia

Route History for US 1 in Virginia

• In 1926, US 1 was called VA 31 from Washington, DC to South Hill, and VA 122 from South Hill to the North Carolina state line. The road was paved between Washington, DC and Fredericksburg, improved (not paved) between Fredericksburg and Richmond, paved between Richmond and Petersburg, improved (not paved) between Petersburg and South Hill, and unimproved dirt between South Hill and the North Carolina state line.
• By 1928, the route had been renumbered US 1, and paved between Washington, DC and South Hill. The section of road between South Hill and the North Carolina state line was improved (not paved) by 1928, and paved by 1953 (probably much sooner).
• Between 1962 and 1964, I 95 was completed from Washington, DC to Petersburg, replacing this part of US 1 as a major through route.
• Between 1965 and 1970, most of I 85 in Virginia was completed, except the section between McKinney and South Hill. As a result, I 85 replaced US 1 as a major through route between Petersburg and McKinney, and between South Hill and the North Carolina state line.
• By 1974, the last section of I 85 in Virginia was completed, replacing US 1 as a major through route in Virginia.

Key to Abbreviations for Route Numbers:

• US - US Highway
• I - Interstate Highway (Eisenhower Interstate System)
• VA - Virginia State Highway

External websites of interest:

• Additional historical information about US 1 in Virginia can be found on the Virginia Highways Project website.

Welcome Page | Route Selection | US 1 Main Page | History of US 1 | US 1 History in Washington DC | US 1 History in North Carolina | Site Map