Following Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton’s announcement of VDOT plans to construct a ramp to direct BRAC traffic into the Mark Center, Representative Jim Moran and Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner released the statement below.

"The Commonwealth's commitment to accelerate major road projects to upgrade the I-95/I-395 corridor, including a new ramp from existing HOV lanes on I-395 to Seminary Road, is welcomed news.  Support from the Commonwealth is crucial to ensuring that the BRAC relocations in Northern Virginia do not cause major traffic disruptions for area commuters, businesses, and local residents. We look forward to working with the Governor and VDOT to facilitate the construction of the ramp at Seminary Road as a top priority.

"With a long-term transportation solution for the situation at Mark Center now on the table, it is more important than ever that full occupancy of the facility be delayed until this critical project is completed.  Fully occupying the building while major construction is underway at the Seminary Road intersection makes no sense.  The road's major intersections in the vicinity of the Mark Center are already projected to experience failing levels of service. Construction of the new ramp will unavoidably disrupt traffic flow on the road even more, creating an untenable situation. We call on the Army to work with the community on a plan to phase in occupancy at the site timed to the project's completion. If the Army fails to revise its plan to accommodate this development, we will redouble our efforts to mandate a strict parking cap on the facility legislatively."

Photo courtesy U.S. Army Flickr