Belvoir Police test re-opening gates for traveling on Route 1

By: Andrew Sharbel | Staff writer
Published: October 23, 2008

In an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion on post during the evening rush hour, starting Monday the Directorate of Emergency Services re-opens two gates with access to Route 1 for a month-long test period.

According to Chief of Fort Belvoir Police John Cerra, the gate exiting onto Route 1 from Gunston Road and Lieber Gate will be opened for motorists departing post starting Monday through Nov. 26.

Both gates will be available for use from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Motorists will only be able to exit in one direction through the newly opened gates. Motorists wishing to travel northbound on Route 1 may exit through the gate from Gunston. However, motorists traveling from north post to south post on Gunston will not be allowed to make a left onto the exit ramp due to safety concerns.

Only motorists wishing to travel southbound on Route 1 from post will be able to use Lieber Gate.

"Our objective is to keep people safe, while expediting traffic from the main gates onto Route 1," Cerra said. "We are encouraging motorists to use these gates,
but we urge everyone to use caution when doing so."

Officers from DES will be handling the operations of each gate instead of the normal gate personnel.