The Virginia Department of Transportation will aggressively pursue improvements to unclog traffic expected from the 6,400-employee Department of Defense facility rising to completion at Mark Center, Secretary Sean Connaughtonn said in a conference call with reporters last week.

The state also ditched plans to construct high occupancy toll lanes in Alexandria and Arlington.

Calling West Ends imminent congestion a looming issue, Connaughtonn hopes to begin constructing a ramp from I-395 to Seminary Road within a year, after more planning. 

The state is running out of time, he said.

We have an immediate gun to our head and we must move forward immediately on this, Connaughtonn said.

VDOT will not interfere with nearby Winkler Botanical Preserve, Connaughtonn confirmed.