The US Department of Defense (USDOD) and the Department of Transportation (USDOT) have approved funds of $180m from the Office of Economic Adjustment to upgrade route 1 through Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will use the fund to widen route 1 in a bid to reduce traffic congestion, improve the safety of patients and facilitate travelling of service members and civilians from the Fort Belvoir community hospital.
FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division along with Fairfax County, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Command at Fort Belvoir will widen the 3.5-mile route.
The agencies will upgrade the four-lane route to a six-lane stretch from Telegraph Road North to Mount Vernon Memorial Highway and also construct new bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, drainage and utility improvements.
US Defense secretary Leon Panetta said Fort Belvoir is a premier military installation with a growing importance in the country's defence community and the community of Fairfax County.
"The expansion of Route 1 will improve the quality of life for all service members and civilians serving at this key post," Panetta added.
US transportation secretary Ray LaHood said: "This project will create jobs, ease congestion and improve safety and accessibility along a critical route for the area's military personnel and others driving in Fairfax County."
The project will also include a corridor for future transit needs, while the agencies will start work once all the relevant environmental requirements are achieved.
USDOD approved the fund under a $300m programme to finance projects for transportation infrastructure improvements associated with medical facilities related to the 2005 round of the base closure and realignment process.
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