The Lorton Perspective: BRAC and Your Future Commute

Patch hit the sidewalks of two of our community shopping centers today to ask residents their opinion of how Base Realignment and Closure, and the Sept. 15 move-in date for thousands of federal workers, could affect their daily commute.

We found that many residents were not at all aware of what BRAC was, or the probable negative impact it would have on our roads come fall. We also encountered more than a few residents who said that they weren't allowed to talk about it at all. 

For those who had an opinion, the consensus varied. Here's what your neighbors had to say:

Suzette Kent: “Absolutely it’s going to affect my commute. There’s going to be so much extra traffic in the area. Instead of it now taking me about 25 minutes to go 7.3 miles, it’s probably going take about 35 or 40 minutes. I’m going to have to adjust my time schedule, which is awful."

Patricia Auza: “I don’t think it’s going to affect my commute at all. I think it’s going to be a positive thing for our community and businesses."

Alvero: “You know, I don’t really know much about it,” said Alvero when asked about BRAC. “It could be good for the economy, but I’m not sure how much a good thing it is for us commuters. I guess it depends on how bad the traffic ends up being. It’s already pretty jammed up here.”

Angela Roberston: “I work at the Pentagon and I think the commute is going to be horrible. Not only for all those people going to the Ft. Belvoir area, but for those of us that are impacted by the Mark Center opening along 395. I’d like to stagger my hours, but I don’t think I’m going to have that opportunity.”

Lawrence Holt: “I think the traffic will be increased because of how the workers are coming more out of the DC area into our area. It’s probably going to affect everyone’s commute going to and from work. I do like that the community is trying to work with the government with the expansion of certain highways.”

Mark Burzenski: “It really depends what route you go. Avoid the beltway like the plague in the morning, anytime between 6:30 and 10:00—never take the beltway. But it’s not going to affect my commute at all. I live a mile from the Ft. Belvoir. I think that BRAC is great for everyone.”