VDOT right-of-way okayed for Visitor Education Center at National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Commonwealth Transportation Board took the necessary action to grant access onto VDOT right-of-way for a Visitor Education Center for the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.  This memorial honors those who lost their lives during the tragic events that occurred on 9/11.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell was quoted in a news release as saying,  “September 11th was a tremendous tragedy that will forever live in the hearts and minds of all Americans.  As home to the Pentagon, many Virginians were impacted by that day’s act of terrorism.  I am particularly pleased that the Commonwealth Transportation Board took this action today to support the new Visitor Education Center at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.  This new visitor education center will help ensure that future generations of Americans understand the significance and impact of 9/11.”

With today’s action, the CTB endorsed the proposed use of VDOT property for the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitors Education Center and approved access to the site. In the coming weeks, VDOT will take the necessary steps to transfer the property to the Department of Defense.

Washington Headquarters Service requested the use of the infield area of a loop ramp located at the Columbia Pike and Washington Boulevard interchange for the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center.

The site for the Visitor Education Center was requested specifically because of its proximity to the current memorial and is along the flight path of Flight 77.  Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial will have easy walking access to the proposed Visitor Education Center via a sidewalk.

Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton was quoted in the news release as saying,  “Our ongoing collaboration with the military on this initiative is important in remembering the sacrifice and heroism of that day.”