City to begin installing signs naming U.S. Route 1 “Richmond Highway”

Department of Public Works crews will begin replacing street signs on the stretch of U.S. Route 1 running through the City of Richmond, reflecting the renaming of Jefferson Davis Highway to “Richmond Highway.”

The change, which was approved in an ordinance co-sponsored by Mayor Stoney and Richmond City Council last summer will involve the replacement of 98 signs, at a cost of approximately $45,000. It will take approximately one month to complete.

It is the most significant road renaming project undertaken by the city since 2019, when Boulevard was renamed Arthur Ashe Boulevard in honor of the Richmond-born tennis legend.

The change is just the latest step taken by the Stoney administration and city council to move Richmond forward by dismantling racist symbols of the city’s confederate past and to celebrate its 21^st century values of unity, equity and inclusion.

“This is more than a symbolic change to a highway sign. It’s real proof that our city is literally and figuratively moving in the right direction,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Richmond’s roads should connect people and bring them closer together, not drive them farther apart. You can’t promote unity without healing and healing without action. This action celebrates Richmond’s future, rather than glorifying its Confederate past.”

City Council President Dr. Cynthia Newbille said: “This street renaming ushers in a spirit of unity in our city. And changes like this, with the mayor and council working together, demonstrate that we are well on the way to becoming a city that embraces its residents, down to the very simple yet profound act of enabling them to live, work and travel on a road that represents and respects all Richmonders. This renaming honors Richmond as a welcoming destination for all.”

“What a wonderful moment for Richmond to turn the page of time,” said Councilwoman Ellen Robertson, whose sixth district includes a portion of the roadway. “For many years we’ve had a highway named after someone that encouraged division throughout our community, and it’s been a constant reminder of the dark past that many had to endure. By renaming the highway, I believe we are sending a strong, clear message of unity, diversity, inclusion and a progressive path forward,” she continued. “Hatred has no place anywhere. So, I welcome this past due change and hope we will use it to heal tensions.”

“Changing the name to Richmond Highway was something that all nine councilmembers and the mayor could agree on and be proud of,” said Councilwoman Reva Trammel, whose Eighth District also includes a stretch of the new Richmond Highway. “This Highway runs through the heart of Richmond’s Southside, and links us to our neighbors in Chesterfield County. It is literally the ‘Road to Richmond.’”

Link to images of Mayor Stoney with Council President Newbille and Councilmember Trammell.