WASHINGTON – Ft. Belvoir is one of the largest military bases in our region, and that makes commuting there a nightmare. But Fairfax County hopes that will change soon.

“The widening of Route 1, to me, should be one of the highest priorities of the county and the state,” says Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay, who adds drivers need to have a reliable commute.

“One of the challenges on Route 1 is, you have these inconsistent patterns. You go from three down to two lanes, from two back up to three. It’s clear the existing three-lane sections operate way better,” says McKay.

The Department of Defense will begin a project this year to widen Route 1 near Ft. Belvoir between Pohick Road and Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway to three lanes in each direction. Fairfax County’s proposed six-year plan will also fill in the gaps south of Pohick to the Occoquan and north toward the Alexandria city line.

Money for those projects could be approved later this month.

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