Fort Belvoir reopens Walker Gate following bridge replacement

Fort Belvoir’s Walker Gate, located along Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, is scheduled to reopen Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m., for the first time since August 2019, when it was closed for the replacement of the Dogue Creek Bridge.

Construction on the new bridge got underway in summer 2021 following the completion of the permitting process and some COVID-19-related delays. According to an October 2020 news update from Fort Belvoir, the $3.8 million bridge fabrication project involved replacing the existing bridge’s steel superstructure, including new bearings and expansion joints, approach railings and a pedestrian walkway on the downstream side of the bridge. 

The new bridge was constructed to be “stronger, more modern” and to “endure a heavier weight capacity than before,” said Fort Belvoir officials. BL Harbert International was the project contractor.

Starting Thursday, Feb. 24, Walker Gate’s official hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 – 6 p.m.; however, these hours are subject to change based on manning availability, said garrison officials.

Fort Belvoir’s Lieber Gate, which first opened in August 2019, and Telegraph Gate remain closed until further notice due to COVID-19-related staffing issues.

Full information about installation access and gate schedules is available on Fort Belvoir’s website.