"It's been 27 years," said Kenny Day, who has helped his parents deal with the process. "To me, nothing's been done."

Cornelius Day said they're convinced that this time the plans to fix the intersection are real. But that doesn't make it any easier.

"It's entirely up to them," he said of what will happen and when.

"You know, we're just in limbo," Ann Day said.

VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon said agency officials always make themselves available for property owners in situations like the Days'.

"Our door is always open," she said.

MOVING ON

When they do move, the couple might need an extra-large moving truck.

The Days' home is cluttered with 50 years' worth of stuff gathered and held onto by Ann Day.

She admits to being a pack rat.

Tables, furniture and just about any other vacant spot in the house are occupied by clothes, trinkets, figurines, stuffed animals, framed pictures and more.

Two upstairs bedrooms are jammed with things she has picked up over the years.

"She won't throw any of it away," said Cornelius, who jokes with her about hauling some of her stuff to the dump.

They're not sure where they'll go when the time comes, but they have prospects.

One option could be just around the corner.

The couple owns a parcel next to their son Kenny Day, who lives nearby on Forbes Street.

No matter where they end up, the Days don't think VDOT's plans are the long-term solution. Population growth will probably continue and unless the Falmouth bridge is expanded, the family believes VDOT will be dealing with a flawed intersection again.

"Ten or 15 years from now," Kenny Day said, "they'll probably have to think, 'Now what are we going to do?'"

Scott Shenk: 540/374-5436
Email: sshenk@freelancestar.com