Get the answers you want
Is there a question about Lorton that you've never been able to get answered? Whether it's a construction project, a deadline or a historical fact, we'll get to the bottom of it. In recent weeks we've answered questions about the new hospital on Fort Belvoir, the mysterious (no more) objects above street lights to name but two. So let us know what you'd like to know about?
We answer last week's question
Last week we asked who would have access to the new hospital on Fort Belvoir. and between one of hour readers we pretty much nailed it on the spot. Dave said: "If you're Department of Defense or retired military, you get access to it the way you currently do at DeWitt. There is a difference in clinics, that the new hospital will have more services available, but the clientele will stay exactly as it is now. There is an agreement in place that emergency patients can be treated at the new hospital only if the ambulance can't get to Inova Mt. Vernon quickly enough, but even then just to stabilize them, and then to send them on." Basically, what it boils down to, is if you sustained a life threatening emergency and Fort Belvoir Community …
One of the highlights of the BRAC construction
There is a lot of excitement about the new hospital on Fort Belvoir, which will replace Dewitt Community Hospital and officially be known as the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. One look at the hospital and the state of the art approach to care and it’s easy to see why folks are so enthusiastic. In the coming weeks there will be more to come about the hospital as the September BRAC deadline draws near. In the meantime, we have had someone ask about access to the new hospital and what services will be available to the general public. We put the question to folks at Belvoir and we’ll have the answer shortly.
The first answer was the best answer
Last week a reader asked about those devices on top of the traffic lights at Armistead Road and Route 1. We had a couple of great suggestions, one of which was by Robert Lee, and his was on the money. Robert suggested that the devices allow first responders to change the light as they are approaching an intersection. Ellen Kamilakis at the Fairfax County Department of Transportation confirmed Robert's accuracy: “These are emergency preemption devices. The unit pictured recognizes the strobe pulse from the emitters that are located on Fire and Rescue and transit vehicles.” Thanks Robert and Ellen!
3:21 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011
For additional information, this device is known as an "Opticom," and they are produced by 3M. more ›
This week's question about what's happening in Lorton
While sitting in traffic at the intersection of Route 1 and Armistead Road a reader took note of a device above the traffic light. It resembles a kettle of sorts but looks to be a camera or measuring tool of some kind. We'll check it out officially, but we welcome your suggestions and answers.
10:00 am on Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Both suggestions seem plausible to me...I'm checking it out as we speak. more ›
Havoc wreaked on many brackets with string of upsets
As someone who (foolishly) likes to think I know a little something about basketball, I fill out my brackets--yes plural--each year for the NCAA Tournament with the belief that my knowledge will lead me to the winner's circle. And each year I get proven wrong, this year included. I figured that Ohio State and Kansas were sure things to reach the Final Four and I'm looking good as far as that goes. But as far as the other 62 teams go, well, my bracket has more red in it than a seventh-grader's essay on the Emancipation Proclamation written in the car on the way to school (see attached). That being said, the NCAA Tournament has been it's usual thrilling self--George Mason's early ouster notwithstanding--with the usual collection of stunning…
9:59 am on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Huh? What's a "bracket"? I like watching the game, when I think about it. Hmm - games aren't my "thing", sorry to say. No husband to draw me to his enthusiasms. more ›
Recent crashes raise the question
A pair of serious car accidents near the intersection of Fairfax County Parkway and Route 1 has some Lorton wondering why that intersection is so dangerous. We'll raise that question with Fairfax County officials. With that intersection becoming increasingly hazardous, one can only speculate about what will happen to it when BRAC arrives in September. Also, what are the other most dangerous intersections in Lorton?
In this Article:
What was the problem?
We had a couple of inquiries into what the cause of the heavy traffic on Ox Road/Route 123 north of Lorton Road this past Friday. It was heavy even for Northern Virginia. We checked with Fairfax County Police and fortunately the delays were not due to a serious accident. Rather, the high winds throughout the day resulted in several reports of traffic lights being disabled. If you've been out on Ox Road since, you know the lights are working fine now. If you have a question about something in Lorton, send me an e-mail at shawn@patch.com.
A piece of a larger project
A couple of folks asked Lorton Patch what was happening at Giles Run, which is part of the Laurel Hill park system. According to Ahmed Rayyan of the Fairfax County Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services the construction that is taking place at Giles Run is part of the water reuse project that will direct treated wastewater from the Noman M. Cole Plant to the Laurel Hill area. Rayyan said that workers are digging underneath the creek and pond at Giles Run for the purpose of laying pipe. He expects work to be completed in three or four weeks. Lorton Patch will have more on the Water Reuse Project in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Turn the tables
Each week "Ask Patch" answers questions about Lorton from our readers. But to start the year we're going to turn the tables. A few weeks back Lorton Patch posted a story about the confirmation that the new middle school will be opening in September 2012. We received some suggestions on a name for the building, including: So, let's add to this list or register your agreement with one of the existing recommendations. Then we'll take the Top 3 and vote on those. Make your voice heard!
Shawn Drury
12:33 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thanks for the info Neal -- had a feeling you might know something about this! more ›