Leeland Road Upgrade

Leeland Road Upgrade


Community News
Leeland Station

Leeland Road Is Finally Getting
the Upgrade It Deserves —
Here’s What You Need to Know

By Jaime Opanashuk, REALTOR®
March 2026
8 min read

If you’ve lived near Leeland Station for any length of time, you know the reality: residents walk along Leeland Road with no sidewalk, no bike lane, no safe crossing just to reach Weis Market or Dollar General. That’s about to change. Stafford County and VDOT have a $21 million project in the pipeline — sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes, and a safe crosswalk with a flashing beacon. Here’s what Leeland Station residents need to know.

📋 Sources: Stafford County Capital Projects; VDOT Smart Scale Round 5 Conceptual Display Maps — Leeland Road Widening, Julian Drive to Portland Drive with Multimodal Improvements (July 2022); VDOT Fredericksburg District project page.

1. Why This Project Matters to Leeland Station

Leeland Road connects Leeland Station to everyday life — the grocery store, local shops, and the VRE station thousands of commuters depend on. But for years it’s been a road built almost entirely for cars. Walking to Weis or Dollar General meant sharing the road’s edge with fast-moving traffic. No walking paths South of Leeland Station. No safe crossing. This project fixes that.

2. What’s Being Built

The project covers Leeland Road between Julian Drive and Portland Drive:

🛣️
Two-Way Left Turn Lane
đźš¶
Sidewalks on Both Sides
🚲
Bike Lanes Both Sides
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Safe Crosswalk at Walnut Drive
🛤️
Shared Use Path to VRE
đź”—
Connects to Existing VDOT Projects

🏆 The Win Residents Actually Fought For

VDOT’s original plan would have removed the mature trees, white fencing, and landscaping along the neighborhood trail — and some residents were facing actual property loss. The trail is used daily by children walking to Conway Elementary and residents walking to the VRE, and removing the tree canopy would have eliminated the shade, privacy, and safety buffer that make those walks possible. Residents organized, took their case to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, and VDOT revised the plan.

The community spoke up — and won.

3. Timeline & Current Status

2019
Transportation Bond Approved by Voters
Stafford County voters approved local funding for Leeland Road as part of the county’s transportation bond.
2022
VDOT Conceptual Display Maps Published
VDOT released Smart Scale Round 5 conceptual sketches showing the proposed alignment, easements, and potentially impacted parcels from Julian Drive to Portland Drive.
NOW
Engineering Phase Underway
Currently in engineering managed by VDOT Fredericksburg District. Final design details — including exact easement boundaries — are being determined now.
FY2028
Construction Estimated
Stafford County estimates construction begins in Fiscal Year 2028. Subject to change based on engineering, right-of-way, and procurement timelines.

4. Property Impacts — Easements, Right-of-Way & Drainage

If your property sits along Leeland Road between Julian Drive and Portland Drive, you’ll want to read this section. The VDOT conceptual maps flag some of these properties as potentially impacted — still conceptual, with final details being determined during engineering.

Based on the VDOT conceptual maps, properties along Leeland Road between Julian Drive and Portland Drive may be affected in one of these ways:

  • Lot absorption — a portion of the property is permanently taken into the new road footprint. VDOT compensates affected homeowners.
  • Utility or drainage easement recorded against the property — this stays with the home permanently and must be disclosed when selling.
  • Construction crews — temporary access to yard areas for grading or drainage work during the build. This ends when construction is complete.

VDOT Conceptual Maps

These are the VDOT Smart Scale Round 5 conceptual display maps showing the proposed alignment and potentially impacted parcels. Final boundaries are still being determined during engineering.

VDOT Leeland Road conceptual map sheet 1

Map Sheet 1 — Julian Drive area

VDOT Leeland Road conceptual map sheet 2

Map Sheet 2 — Portland Drive area

For Questions About Your Property

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about how this project may affect your specific parcel, contact VDOT or Stafford County Transportation directly:

5. What This Means for Leeland Station Home Values

Pedestrian and multimodal infrastructure investment consistently supports home values. Here’s why this project is a net positive for Leeland Station:

  • Walkability drives value. Sidewalks to Weis, Dollar General, and the VRE directly improve the community’s walkability score — a real input into home values on major platforms.
  • Safety attracts buyers. Safe pedestrian infrastructure — sidewalks, crosswalks, protected paths — is one of the most consistently requested features among buyers researching communities. This project delivers it.
  • $21M signals commitment. County investment at this scale tells buyers and appraisers that Leeland Station is a community worth investing in.
  • Stronger VRE connectivity. A safe walk and bike route to the station reinforces Leeland Station’s biggest selling point — commuting to DC without a car.

Wondering how this project affects your specific property or home value?

Talk to Jaime →

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction start?
Construction is estimated for FY2028 per Stafford County. The project is in the engineering stage managed by VDOT Fredericksburg District. Timeline is subject to change based on engineering completion, right-of-way acquisition, and procurement.
Which streets and properties are in the project area?
The project covers Leeland Road between Julian Drive and Portland Drive. Per the VDOT conceptual maps, potentially impacted parcels are identified near Julian Drive, Fielding Drive, Dawson Drive, Walnut Drive, Amherst Avenue, and Portland Drive .
Will my yard or drainage be affected?
For properties fronting Leeland Road, temporary construction easements may allow VDOT to access yard areas near the road edge for grading or drainage work during construction. Some properties may also be subject to permanent utility easements related to drainage infrastructure depending on final engineering. These details are still being worked out during the engineering phase — contact VDOT or Stafford County for parcel-specific information.
Does an easement affect my ability to sell?
A temporary construction easement typically has minimal impact on resale and expires after construction. A permanent utility easement is more significant — it stays with the property, must be disclosed in Virginia real estate transactions, and can affect value depending on where it falls on the lot. If you’re planning to sell and your property may be subject to a permanent easement, speak with a local real estate professional and consider consulting a licensed real estate attorney. This is not legal advice.
Is this good for Leeland Station home values overall?
For the vast majority of Leeland Station — yes, this is a positive. A $21M investment bringing sidewalks, bike lanes, and a safe crosswalk improves walkability, safety, and community appeal. For the small number of properties directly fronting Leeland Road with proposed easements or RW impacts, the picture is more nuanced and worth a conversation with a local real estate professional or real estate attorney on a case-by-case basis.

Jaime Opanashuk, REALTOR®
Jaime Opanashuk
REALTOR® · Leeland Station Specialist · eXp Realty

I’ve followed the Leeland Road widening project closely through Stafford County’s capital planning process and VDOT’s Smart Scale program — and actively advocated for the community, including the effort to save the Leeland Neighborhood Path and the installation of the Leeland Road crosswalks. I’ve helped over 100 families buy and sell in Stafford County over the past six years, with deep expertise in Leeland Station, military and PCS relocation, rightsizing, and new construction. If you have questions about how this project affects your property value — or if you’re thinking about buying or selling in the area — I’d love to help.

800 Corporate Drive, Suite 301, Stafford, VA 22554
503-519-7076  Â·
[email protected]  Â·
jaimeopanashuk.com

Questions About Your Leeland Station Property?

Whether it’s easement questions, current home values, or whether now is the right time to buy or sell — let’s have an honest conversation.

📍 Want the full picture on Leeland Station? Visit the Complete Neighborhood Guide →

Sources & Disclaimer: Information sourced from Stafford County Capital Projects (staffordcountyva.gov) and VDOT Smart Scale Round 5 Conceptual Display Maps, Leeland Road Widening from Julian Drive to Portland Drive with Multimodal Improvements (July 2022). All project details, timelines, costs, and property impact information are subject to change during final engineering and design. VDOT maps are conceptual and not based on final survey. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Homeowners with questions about potential easement or right-of-way impacts should contact VDOT Fredericksburg District or Stafford County Transportation Planning ([email protected]) and consult a licensed Virginia real estate attorney for legal guidance.

Fair Housing Notice: We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, military status, or any other protected class under applicable law.

Jaime Opanashuk, REALTOR® · eXp Realty · Equal Housing Opportuni

Leeland Station Guide 2026

Leeland Station Guide 2026

As Stafford County’s Leeland Station specialist, I get asked about this community constantly — and it’s easy to understand why. Leeland Station offers something genuinely rare: a walkable VRE station, resort-style amenities, an on-site elementary school, and a neighborhood culture that takes years to build. If you are researching a move to the Stafford or Fredericksburg area, this is your starting point. This guide covers the homes, the amenities, the commute options, the schools, and what daily life actually looks and feels like here.

Quick Answer

Leeland Station is an established community in Stafford County, VA featuring Colonial, Craftsman, and Traditional-style homes ranging from approximately 2,000 to 5,000-plus square feet. Residents enjoy a community pool, clubhouse, walking trails, sports courts, an on-site elementary school, and walkable access to the Leeland Road VRE station for commuting to the D.C. and Pentagon corridor.

Key Takeaways

  • The Leeland Road VRE station is within walking distance of most homes — a genuine daily commute advantage that sets this community apart in Stafford County.
  • Homes range from approximately 2,000 to 5,000-plus square feet with 3 to 6 bedrooms, two-car garages, and finished basements across Colonial, Craftsman, and Traditional styles.
  • HOA amenities include a community pool, clubhouse, walking and jogging trails, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, and a fishing pond.
  • An elementary school sits within the neighborhood boundary, and the community is approximately 35 minutes from both Marine Corps Base Quantico and NSWC Dahlgren.

What Is Leeland Station and Where Is It Located?

Leeland Station is a master-planned residential community located at and around 315 Leeland Road in Falmouth, VA 22405, in Stafford County just across the Rappahannock River from the City of Fredericksburg. The neighborhood sits about 50 miles south of Washington D.C. and roughly 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg.

The community was developed primarily by K. Hovnanian Homes and now has approximately 4,100 residents. Homes follow Colonial, Craftsman, and Traditional architectural styles, giving the streetscapes a cohesive, settled character rather than the repetitive look common in newer subdivisions.

The feature that stands out immediately on any map is the Leeland Road VRE station sitting right at the edge of the community. For anyone commuting north toward Quantico, Alexandria, the Pentagon, or D.C. Union Station, that walkability is a daily advantage that most Stafford neighborhoods simply cannot offer.

The Reserves at Leeland Station is a premium subsection within the broader community. Lots here are 3 acres or more, homes are generally newer construction, and the feel is more private and spacious. Residents of The Reserves share full access to all Leeland Station HOA amenities. Learn more about both sections on my Leeland Station page.

What Are the Homes Like in Leeland Station?

Leeland Station homes run from approximately 2,000 to 5,000-plus square feet, with most offering 3 to 6 bedrooms and 2.5 to 4 bathrooms. Two-car garages are standard and finished basements are common, particularly in the move-up range. Lots in the main community typically range from a quarter to a half acre, providing meaningful space without excessive maintenance demands.

The Colonial and Craftsman-style architecture gives the neighborhood a polished, established look that holds its appeal over time. Updated kitchens, hardwood floors, and outdoor living spaces — decks, patios, fenced yards — are common features in homes that have been maintained and improved by long-term owners.

Because most homes were built in the early-to-mid 2000s, buyers benefit from the maturity that new construction cannot offer: full tree coverage, established landscaping, and a streetscape that reads as a genuine neighborhood rather than a freshly cleared development. That character takes years to develop, and Leeland Station has had the time to build it.

For buyers interested in newer construction and more land, The Reserves subsection delivers lots of 3 acres or more with homes typically built post-2015. Reach out to me directly for current availability in both sections — I track this inventory closely and can match your priorities to the right part of the community from our first conversation.

What HOA Amenities Does Leeland Station Include?

The HOA amenity package at Leeland Station is one of the strongest in Stafford County at this community profile. The Belle Air Clubhouse on Riggs Road anchors community social life year-round, managing the amenity calendar, event programming, and facility oversight for the neighborhood.

Residents have access to all of the following through the HOA:

  • Community pool — open seasonally, well-maintained, and genuinely used by residents throughout the summer
  • Clubhouse — available for resident events, community programming, and private gatherings
  • Walking and jogging trails — connecting multiple sections of the neighborhood
  • Tennis courts and basketball courts
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Multiple playgrounds distributed throughout the community
  • Fishing pond — a quiet spot that residents consistently mention as a hidden gem
  • On-site elementary school — one of the neighborhood’s most practical everyday features

Community events organized through the HOA — holiday decorating contests, Cookies with Santa, pool parties, and seasonal gatherings — give Leeland Station a genuine neighborhood rhythm that newer communities spend years trying to create. The fact that it already exists here shows up in how residents talk about the place long after they have moved in.

What Is the Commute Like from Leeland Station?

The Leeland Road VRE station is the community’s single biggest commuting advantage. It sits within a 5 to 15 minute walk from most homes in the neighborhood — and that walkability eliminates the park-and-ride step that makes most Stafford commutes longer and less flexible. Free parking is also available at the station lot for days when driving makes more sense.

VRE operates Monday through Friday on the Fredericksburg Line. Key travel times from Leeland Road include approximately 35 minutes to Quantico, 70 minutes to the Pentagon and Alexandria area, and 85 minutes to D.C. Union Station. For commuters headed to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the VRE stops directly on base at Quantico station.

Destination VRE from Leeland Road Drive (Off-Peak)
Fredericksburg N/A 10-15 min
Quantico / MCB Quantico ~35 min ~35 min
Alexandria / Pentagon ~70 min 60-90 min
D.C. Union Station ~85 min 65-120 min
Dahlgren (NSWC) No VRE access ~35 min via US-301
Richmond N/A ~60 min

For I-95 drivers, the Route 17 interchange provides straightforward on-ramp access, and the I-95 Express Lanes are available northbound for faster trips to Northern Virginia on days when driving is the better choice.

What Is Daily Life Like in Leeland Station?

Day-to-day life in Leeland Station is genuinely convenient without feeling like you are in the middle of everything. Everyday needs are close: a Walmart Supercenter, Target, grocery stores, and a range of restaurants and services are all within 10 minutes along Route 17 or near the Celebrate Virginia corridor in Fredericksburg.

Historic downtown Fredericksburg is 10 to 15 minutes away and consistently surprises newcomers. The walkable downtown has independent restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shopping, riverfront parks, and a genuine local culture that residents use regularly. The Fredericksburg Visitor Center is a great resource for finding current events and local happenings throughout the year.

Outdoor access is another practical highlight. Stafford County parks including Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve and Aquia Landing Park are within a short drive. Government Island — whose historic quarry supplied sandstone for the U.S. Capitol and the White House — offers walking trails that are genuinely unlike anything else in the region. The Rappahannock River provides kayaking, fishing, and trail access that residents consistently call out as a quality-of-life standout.

For military and government personnel stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico or Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, Leeland Station’s location is especially practical. It sits roughly equidistant between both installations, a balance that matters greatly for households connected to either or both bases.

What Do Residents Love Most About Living in Leeland Station?

Ask longtime residents what they love about Leeland Station and the answers come quickly and consistently. Community tops the list almost every time. People know their neighbors here. There are familiar faces at the pool, at the clubhouse events, and at the seasonal HOA gatherings — including Cookies with Santa and holiday celebrations that give the calendar a rhythm residents genuinely look forward to.

The walkability to the VRE station comes up constantly, especially among commuters who spent years fighting I-95 traffic before discovering what a difference it makes to walk to a train. The daily quality-of-life improvement is real and compounds quietly over time into genuine satisfaction with where you live.

The on-site elementary school is another feature residents highlight repeatedly. Having a school built into the neighborhood removes a daily logistics challenge that most suburban communities cannot solve. For current attendance zone details, the Stafford County Public Schools website has the most accurate information.

Beyond the tangibles, residents often describe Leeland Station as feeling settled in the best sense — mature trees, established green spaces, and a neighborhood that has had time to become a real community with roots. That character is something you simply cannot replicate in a brand-new development, no matter the builder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Leeland Station

What is it like to live in Leeland Station?

Leeland Station is an established, amenity-rich community in Stafford County, VA with a genuine neighborhood culture. Residents enjoy a community pool, trails, sports courts, an on-site elementary school, and walkable access to the Leeland Road VRE station. The community is about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg and approximately 35 minutes from both Marine Corps Base Quantico and NSWC Dahlgren.

Is Leeland Station walking distance from the VRE?

Yes. The Leeland Road VRE station is a 5 to 15 minute walk from most homes in the community. Free parking is also available at the station lot. VRE runs Monday through Friday on the Fredericksburg Line with service to Quantico, Alexandria, the Pentagon area, and D.C. Union Station. Visit vre.org for current schedules and fares.

What does the Leeland Station HOA include?

The Leeland Station HOA covers access to the community pool, Belle Air Clubhouse, walking and jogging trails, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, multiple playgrounds, and a fishing pond. Community events are organized through the HOA year-round. Your buyer’s agent will provide the current HOA disclosure package — including fees and rules — as part of the standard purchase process.

What is The Reserves at Leeland Station?

The Reserves is a premium subsection of Leeland Station featuring lots of 3 acres or more, newer construction, and a more private setting. Residents share full access to all Leeland Station HOA amenities. It is the right fit for buyers who want more land and separation between homes while staying connected to the broader community.

How far is Leeland Station from Marine Corps Base Quantico?

Marine Corps Base Quantico is approximately 35 miles north of Leeland Station — about 35 minutes by car off-peak, or approximately 35 minutes by VRE to Quantico station directly on base. During peak hours, the VRE is the more predictable option.

What schools serve Leeland Station in Stafford County?

Leeland Station has an elementary school within the neighborhood boundary. The broader feeder pattern connects to Stafford County Public Schools for middle and high school. Visit the district website for current attendance zones and program details, or reach out to me and I will help you get the right information for your situation.

Ready to Explore Leeland Station?

As Stafford County’s Leeland Station specialist, I know this community well — the different sections, the VRE logistics, the HOA details, and what each part of the neighborhood feels like on a regular day. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply starting your research, I would love to be your local guide.

Let’s Connect
  or call me directly: 503-519-7076

Jaime Opanashuk, REALTOR®

Leeland Station Expert
 • 
Military & Government Relocation
 • 
New Construction
 • 
Rightsizing & Downsizing