Route 1 Expansion Near Fort Belvoir Threatens Stables

A historic horse farm in Fairfax County could become a BRAC casualty.

The Defense Department is spending millions to widen traffic-clogged Route 1 near Fort Belvoir, which has folks concerned the expanded highway could go straight through Woodlawn Stables – one of the potential options for the larger road.

“It’s really sad to think that this won’t be in our life,” Woodlawn instructor Laura Wainwright said. “I’m not sure how I’m going to drive down Route 1 anymore.”

Wainwright started the organization Save Woodlawn Stables.

"But even if you don't ride here and you live in this community, you know someone who rides here or you just love seeing this,” she said.

"There are really no other options around this local area, and a stable like this that’s been here, we’re on our third generation of students, I have staff members that ride here and work here,” said Cindy Mitchell, who has owned Woodlawn Stables for more than three decades.

Nothing is set in stone yet, Fairfax County BRAC Coordinator Laura Miller said, but something needs to be done with thousands of new employees, personnel and medical patients rolling through the gates at Fort Belvoir every day.

“Without this widening certainly there would be no hope of any improvement in the near future,” Miller said.

With construction slated to start next year, hope is starting to fade that this horse farm will stay untouched.

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