Just six months before 6,400 defense workers move into the Mark Center in Alexandria, the city is hoping to get $20 million from Congress for road projects needed to prevent an already congested area from falling into complete gridlock once the workers arrive. Under the proposal, which needs the approval of House Appropriations Committee, federal officials would take the $20 million from the Defense Department budget, according to Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., who told the Alexandria City Council on Tuesday he’s confident the committee will approve the plan. If the funds are secured, Alexandria will begin to make short-term road improvements around the Mark Center, including a $1 million project to improve traffic signals at Seminary Road and Interstate 395. Alexandria also asked for $200,000 to redesign the Van Dorn Street Kiss and Ride to accommodate more buses, which would be needed to carry Mark Center employees to their offices.
However, none of the projects will be complete before defense workers begin to arrive in September.
