The familiar auto repair shop attached to the Shell gas station at the corner of Backlick Road and Industrial Road in Springfield is slated for demolition. Local residents, including those in Annandale, will soon see a new convenience store and upgraded gas station in its place. This development, endorsed by the Fairfax County Planning Commission on February 5th, marks a significant change for the area and reflects evolving trends in the automotive service industry.
The existing auto repair shop and gas station slated for redevelopment, indicating a shift in local automotive services available to Annandale residents.
Petroleum Marketing Group (PMG), the applicant behind this project, plans to construct a 4,000-square-foot convenience store, install new fuel islands with a canopy, and upgrade the underground storage tanks. Motorists will benefit from an increased number of fuel pumps, rising from four to six, which will accommodate up to 12 vehicles simultaneously. While this means more options for fueling up, it also signals a reduction in auto repair service availability at this location, potentially impacting those in nearby Annandale who relied on this shop.
Christopher Decre, director of construction and development at PMG, anticipates demolition could commence as early as next year, assuming smooth progress with permits and approvals. Construction is projected to last between six and eight months. The existing gas station and auto repair shop have served the community for over half a century. However, PMG cites a decreasing demand for traditional auto mechanic shops, particularly smaller operations that struggle to keep pace with the technology required for modern vehicles. This trend is a factor for car owners in Annandale and surrounding areas to consider when thinking about vehicle maintenance and repair.
The redesign will streamline access to the property by consolidating the two existing entrances on Backlick Road into a single point of entry, resulting in just two curb cuts – one on Backlick Road and another on Industrial Road. These adjusted curb cuts will be positioned further from the Backlick/Industrial intersection, although still not meeting full VDOT requirements, necessitating waivers that contributed to nearly a year of design delays.
Community enhancements are also part of the plan. PMG is proposing the addition of 10-foot trails along the property lines bordering both Backlick and Industrial Roads, as well as a new crosswalk at the intersection. A swale will be constructed behind the convenience store to manage stormwater runoff, addressing environmental considerations. Parking provisions include 16 regular parking spaces and two handicap-accessible spaces. Looking to the future of automotive technology, PMG intends to include two parking spaces that could be equipped with EV charging stations as demand grows.
For Annandale residents who have utilized the auto repair services at this Springfield location, this development signifies a change in the local landscape of car maintenance options. While the new convenience store and enhanced gas station will offer updated amenities, the shift away from auto repair at this site reflects broader industry trends and may prompt vehicle owners to explore alternative auto repair shops in Annandale and the surrounding vicinity. It underscores the importance of staying informed about local business developments and adapting to the evolving automotive service environment.
