Eagle BELVOIR
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March 30, 2017
Road-widening project nears completion By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer The Route 1 Expansion Project completion is finalizing, with all six lanes expected to be open by Memorial Day, said Tim Brown, construction operations engineer for Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division-Federal Highway Administration. Currently, the project is focused on paving that will last through April, and permanent signal work, landscaping, pavement marks, and signs are going up until May. The project is expected to be finished before June 1. This will be the end of a project that has been underway for many years. County, transportation and Belvoir officials broke ground on the project in April 2014. Historical sites and buildings along the road were preserved or dismantled, like a train trestle bridge that once spanned over Route 1 between Tulley and Pence gates. It was torn down in late 2014, and has a long history with Fort Belvoir. The original bridge was created in 1918 out of wood and rebuilt with concrete 10 years later. When completed, the $180 million project will have widened 3.5 miles of Route 1 from four lanes to six lanes from Telegraph Road, south of Belvoir’s Tulley Gate; to Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, north of Pence Gate. It also includes left and right turn lanes at intersections and connecting roadways, and a provision for a multi-use trail, pedestrian sidewalk and on-road bicycle accommodations. More information about the road-widening project is available from http://rte1ftbelvoir.com or at www. facebook.com/rte1fortbelvoir.
Commissary opening
Belvoir’s new commissary opens after an 8:30 a.m. ribboncutting today, replacing one that was built in 1982. Everyone is welcome.
Still time to help! Clean-up volunteers needed
The 29th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, along the shores of Belvoir. Gloves and bags are provided. Volunteers are asked to dress in old, weather-appropriate, work clothes, as watershed cleanups can be wet and muddy. Many volunteers bring a change of clothes or shoes for the trip home. Adults; accompanied children; families; organizations; scouts and community groups are all encouraged to participate. Volunteers will meet at the Accotink Bay Wildlife Environmental Education Center. To volunteer, call Kevin Walter, 703-805-3969. Photos by Paul Lara
Construction crews cut the pavement on Richmond Highway in front of Pence Gate Tuesday. State officials expect all lanes to be open by Memorial Day.
Pence Gate closing on weekends, Walker, Kingman reducing hours starting April 7 By Adrienne Anderson Staff Writer Fort Belvoir gates undergo a change in hours beginning April 7. “The change in hours of operation is due to the need to address and realign our manpower resources, especially the Department of the Army Security Guard resources,” said Johnnie Kibler, Belvoir police chief. “We’ve been stretching our security force for more than a year, now, to maintain manning at our gates.” Pence Gate will be closed on weekends, and re-opens at 5 a.m. Mondays. Walker will change to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Kingman Gates will reduce its hours to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week. “This new schedule will be more in line for the security force we are resourced for at Belvoir,” Kibler said. “With our most recent traffic studies, we find people are avoiding Tulley, but that’s also now our quickest access point, during morning and evening rush hours. “When Tulley became the 24-hour gate, the deliverers changed their schedules. That, and a lane re-configuration we did a while ago, has really changed Tulley for drivers,” he said. Kibler added that lights and signals in the area will be adjusted for the best traffic flow. Belvoir Commissary and Exchange customers and hospital patients, visitors and staff should remember
Up Front
Sexual Assault Prevention proclamation
Belvoir’s SHARP program has a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation signing Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Belvoir SHARP Resource Center, 9515 Hannah Lane. Information is available by calling 703-806-0615. The 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline is 703-740-7029.
Military Child Month kickoff dinner
Child and Youth Services and ACS hosts a free family dinner Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center, to begin observances of Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Tickets are required due to limited space and are available at the Community Center; the Sosa Center, ACS; or at any CYS facility. For more information call 703805-5555.
File photo
Visitors, employees, and residents are asked to use Tulley Gate because because Pence Gate will close on weekends beginning April 7.
use Tulley Gate after 6 p.m., for entering and exiting the installation. Adjusting gate hours helps maintain the morale of the guard staff and their families, he added. Travelers are advised to use Tulley Gate, which has access for commercial use and visitors; and is, typically, one of the least-used gates.
Spouse who needs a GED?
Have you postponed getting your GED, maybe, due to funds? If so, the GED Spouse Assistance Program is for you. The program pays up to $120 for a GED exam; and up to $280 for Adult Basic Education/ Pre-GED Preparation Classes. The cap for reimbursement is $400. More info and eligibility requirements are available by stopping in Barden Education Center’s Room 138, or calling 703-805-9264.