Hearings Set on Proposed Toll Road Hike
The public is invited to learn more about the proposal to increase rates on the Dulles Toll Road at three hearings set for August and September.
Under the proposal, tolls would increase by 25 cents at the Main Toll Plaza and at the ramps in 2010, and then by another 25 cents at the Main Plaza in the years 2011 and 2012. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which oversees operations of the toll road as part of the Dulles Metrorail extension project, set the hearings at these locations and on these dates:
Monday, Aug. 24: 5-8 p.m.
Ashburn Elementary School
44062 Fincastle Drive, Ashburn
Thursday, Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m.
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road, McLean
Wednesday, Sept. 9: 5-8 p.m.
South Lakes High School
11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
According to the MWAA Web site, at the sessions, there will be informational exhibits about the Metrorail Project; the cost and financing of the Metrorail Project; the Dulles Toll Road and potential improvements that may be made to the Toll Road in the future; the revenue anticipated to be raised as a result of the proposed toll increases; and how this additional revenue will be spent.
Those who can’t attend the hearings can find exhibition information at www.mwaa.com/tollroad. The public also may subt comments on the Web site the website once the exhibit information is posted in August.
Transportation Links
Toll Road Hike Proposed
Dulles Toll Road (VA 267) drivers may be paying double the current rates in three years if a proposal by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is approved.
MWAA took over operations for the toll road in 2008 as part of the $5.25 billion Dulles Metrorail project, which would extend the Orange Line after East Falls Church into Loudoun. Currently, drivers pay 75 cents at the main plaza and 50 cents at the on- and off-ramps. If the MWAA board of directors approves the proposal, tolls would begin rising incrementally in January 2010 up to $1.50 by 2012 at the main plaza and 75 cents at the ramps.
Public hearings on the proposal are expected to take place later this summer, and the final decision is expected in November, according to MWAA’s Web site.
18 Virginia Rest Areas to Close
Virginia drivers will have to make do with fewer interstate rest stops after July 21, when the state will close almost half of its rest areas to help make up for a $2.6 billion shortfall in the transportation budget.
Among the 18 rest stops to close is the one that includes the I-66 West Manassas Welcome Center, but it will remain open through the summer to accommodate summer travelers. The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-66 Welcome Center on Sept. 16.
Shutting the stops will save the state about $9 million yearly, according to VDOT.
The Dale City rest area in Prince William County is one of 18
Virginia rest stops that will close July 21.
