Virginia State Route 613 (Fairfax County)
Virginia State Route 613: An Overview
Virginia State Route 613 (SR 613) is a secondary state highway located in Fairfax County, Virginia. This route encompasses several distinct suburban surface streets within the county. Historically, these routes were more interconnected; however, changes in road alignment, new constructions, and various annexations by the independent city of Alexandria have led to their current fragmented configuration. Consequently, SR 613 is often referenced by its individual street names by local residents rather than its official designation.
Route Description
As of 2007, SR 613 comprises four main segments within Fairfax County. The first segment begins at the Arlington County line and follows Wilson Boulevard until it reaches an intersection with State Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and U.S. Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) at Seven Corners. This segment is crucial for facilitating traffic flow between Arlington and regions to the west. Following this stretch, SR 613 transitions into Sleepy Hollow Road, which serves as a connector to State Route 244 (Columbia Pike).
Segment One: Wilson Boulevard and Sleepy Hollow Road
The first segment’s significance lies not only in its role as a thoroughfare but also in its accessibility to numerous suburban neighborhoods and local amenities. Wilson Boulevard provides vital access to commercial districts and residential areas alike. As it transitions into Sleepy Hollow Road, drivers can navigate toward the community centers and parks that dot the landscape along this route.
Segment Two: Lincolnia Road
The second section of SR 613 is comprised entirely of Lincolnia Road, extending from an intersection with SR 244 approximately 0.75 miles east of the previous terminus mentioned. This segment connects residents to key regional destinations while intersecting with SR 620 (Braddock Road) before terminating at a dead end just before SR 2532 (Beauregard Street). Lincolnia Road serves primarily local traffic and provides access to neighborhood facilities.
Segment Three: South Van Dorn Street
The third section of SR 613 begins at the boundary line between Alexandria and Fairfax County, continuing as South Van Dorn Street—a continuation of State Route 401 within Alexandria. Originally terminating at SR 644 (Franconia Road), this segment underwent an extension in the mid-2000s, now reaching SR 611 (Telegraph Road). This section plays a crucial role for commuters traveling between residential areas in Alexandria and those further west in Fairfax County.
Segment Four: Beulah Street
The fourth segment is known as Beulah Street, starting at Franconia Road (SR 644) in Franconia and extending through several intersections, including SR 289 (Franconia-Springfield Parkway) and SR 611 (Telegraph Road). Notably, this section traverses through Fort Belvoir United States Army installation. Traffic is regulated at the Telegraph Gate, which permits entry only during specified hours on weekdays for those possessing military identification cards.
Continuation Through Fort Belvoir
Within Fort Belvoir, SR 613 proceeds past the Fort Belvoir Golf Club and intersects with Kingman Road. However, it becomes permanently obstructed past Wills Road due to a former military railroad spur overpass. A portion of this segment also serves as U.S. Bicycle Route 1 for a distance of approximately 0.4 miles until it connects with SR 618 (Woodlawn Road).
Historical Context
The history of SR 613 is closely tied to urban development patterns in Fairfax County over several decades. In the mid-20th century, particularly during the annexation efforts by Alexandria in the 1950s, parts of Fairfax County were incorporated into the city’s boundaries. This led to the bifurcation of SR 613 into distinct sections located south and northwest of the annexed land.
Impact of Annexation on Route Configuration
Prior to these changes, sections two and three of SR 613 formed a continuous route known simply as Lincolnia Road. This original alignment followed a path akin to today’s Lincolnia Road, Whiting Road, and South Van Dorn Street from south of Edsall Road. Post-annexation modifications created significant shifts in road configurations; southern segments were rebranded with new identities reflecting their adjusted trajectories through growing suburban landscapes.
Major Intersections Along SR 613
Throughout its course, SR 613 intersects with several major roads that facilitate connectivity within Fairfax County. Key intersections include:
- State Route 7 (Leesburg Pike): A critical arterial road providing access to major commercial centers.
- U.S. Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard): An essential east-west corridor linking communities across northern Virginia.
- State Route 244 (Columbia Pike): Connecting various residential neighborhoods and commercial areas in the vicinity.
- State Route 620 (Braddock Road): Serving as another vital conduit for local traffic.
- State Route 611 (Telegraph Road): Facilitating north-south travel through both Fairfax County and Alexandria.
Conclusion
Virginia State Route 613 plays a significant role in the transportation network within Fairfax County by connecting various communities and facilitating access to essential services and amenities. While its configuration has evolved due to historical urban development patterns and annexations by nearby jurisdictions like Alexandria, it continues to serve as an important route for both local residents and commuters alike. Understanding its distinct segments reveals how transportation infrastructure shapes regional connectivity and reflects broader trends in suburban development.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).