Drivers on the Dulles Toll Road will be paying an extra quarter at the main toll plaza come the New Year, the latest in a series of increases established to pay for the 23-mile Metrorail project extending the line from East Falls Church to the Dulles International Airport and beyond.

Effective Jan. 1, drivers of two-axle vehicles will pay $1.50; $1.75 for 3-axle vehicles; and $2 for 4-axle vehicles. Tolls at the ramps remain the same.

In other transportation news, construction on new I-95 HOT lanes could begin as early as spring following a recent agreement between Virginia and a private contractor.

According to the Washington Post, Fluor-Transurban will expand the existing HOV lanes on I-95 in northern Virginia from two to three, and extend the lanes into Stafford County.

More details from the Dec. 6 article published in WashingtonPost.com:

Fluor-Transurban would finance 90 percent of the $940 million project, with the rest of the money coming from the state. The contractor would recoup its investment by collecting the tolls under a deal that allows the contractor to operate the road for the next 73 years. Virginia officials said Fluor-Transurban assumes all of the risk if it cannot recoup its investment through tolls. If the tolls provide an unexpected windfall, the state will share in the extra revenue in a range of anywhere from 5 to 40 percent. …

Carpoolers could use the lanes for free, while solo riders would pay tolls to use the lanes. Toll rates will vary, with higher rates in place during rush hour. … Drivers who opt not to carpool or pay the tolls can use the regular highway lanes. …

In a conference call with reporters, Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton said there is no cap on how high the tolls could go. The tolls will be a pure function of market demand, he said; Fluor-Transurban is required under the contract to raise the tolls as high as necessary during peak times to ensure that traffic moves at least 55 mph in the HOT lanes.

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“This move is either recognition that north-south mobility is needed in a region that now moves on an east-west axis, or it’s an attempt to accelerate construction of a controversial parkway linking (Prince William and Loudoun) counties and ultimately connecting to new Potomac River bridges to create an outer Beltway around Washington,” according to a story in the Washington Post.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance has supported the designation in the hopes that more attention and funds will be given to the issue of alleviating congestion in the area and improving north-south access to Washington Dulles International Airport.

“Still environmental groups, Loudoun County officials and some residents don’t want the beltway and oppose the designation, but Prince William County leaders and area business leaders say a north-south road is needed,” according to a story in Leesburg Today.

The revival of the Outer Beltway proposal, which is on the state’s long-range transportation map, is sure to generate debate in the weeks and months ahead. To keep up to date on the issue, sign up for free email updates at http://nvta.org/.

Route 7 at the Route 123 Interchange

Business owners, commuters and the general public are invited to offer their feedback following the General Assembly’s passage of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation program that calls for $3 billion in new transportation funds.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is holding public hearing across the state on the draft FY2012-2017 Draft Six-Year Improvement Program. After the hearings, the CTB is scheduled to vote on plan  in June.

In Northern Virginia, a public hearing will take place 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, at VDOT’s Northern Virginia office at 4975 Alliance Drive, Suite 1N201 in Fairfax.

Written comments may be submitted via mail or email until May 27 to:
Public Information Office
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
600 E. Main St., Suite 2102
Richmond, VA 23219
drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov

According to the Washington Post, the plan would provide funds for these projects:

66 Gainesville to Haymarket – Add one HOV lane and one regular lane in each direction from Route 29 in Gainesville to Route 15 at Haymarket (three miles). A new interchange would be constructed at I-66 and Route 15. The $132 million project would begin in 2015 and take three years to complete.

I-66 active traffic management system – Spend $32 million to implement the latest traffic management technology to ease congestion on I-66. Implementation would begin in 2012.

I-395 HOV ramp at Seminary Road – Construction of a High Occupancy Vehicle ramp to the Mark Center. The $80 million project would begin in 2015. (This is a key proposal to ease traffic congestion likely to result from the addition of 6,400 employees to the Mark Center under the federal Base Realignment and Closure program, which is scheduled to be in place by Sept. 15.)

I-95 High Occupancy Toll lanes – Build 29 miles of HOT lanes on I-95 from Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County. The draft plan includes about $52 million from the state. The majority of funding for the project would come from the private sector. Construction could begin in 2012 and would take three years. Environmental review is underway and public information meetings will be held in the fall. (This project is far more controversial than the Capital Beltway HOT lanes now under construction.)

Route 7 in Fairfax County – Widen this key commuter route from four lanes to six lanes between Reston Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road (5.3 miles). The draft program includes $30 million for design, which would begin this fall. There’s no funding right now for right of way or construction. (The six-year plan doesn’t tell you something is a done deal. It tells you what’s in the pipeline.)

Route 7 at Sycolin Road in Leesburg – Construct a $21.6 million overpass to carry Sycolin Road over the Route 7 Bypass. Construction could begin in 2014.

Route 7 at Belmont Ridge Road in Loudoun County – Construct a $72 million interchange, possibly beginning in 2015. Loudoun County would design and construct the project, while VDOT would acquire the right of way.

Route 1 at Route 123 in Prince William County – The draft includes $35 million to widen Route 1 beginning in 2015. Phase two of the project, construction of the interchange, is not yet funded.

Route 123 in Fairfax – The draft includes $15 million to build a connection to George Mason West Campus Road.

Fairfax County Parkway – Construct a loop at Rolling Road. The draft plan includes $14 million toward the $25 million project. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015.

Battlefield Parkway Extension in Leesburg – Extend the parkway for one mile. Construction on the $11 million project would begin in 2015.

Grand Prize:

• Reston Limousine service for 6 passengers for 6 hours
• Appetizers in the Limo by Celebrations Catering
• Dinner for 6 at The Capital Grille
• Boutonniere & Corsage from Karin’s Florist for 3 couples
• Hair Styling at The Falls Salon for 3 ladies
• Vera Bradley Beach Bag & Towel from The Dandelion Patch

In addition to the Grand Prize, the student with the most nominations will receive an outing for 8 at Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park. There also will be additional prizes for parents of winner and person nominating the winning student.

Enter your favorite teen here!

With the largest limousine and shuttle fleet in the Washington DC area, Reston Limousine can ensure that your teens arrive in style for their prom !

To reserve your limousine or limo bus for the prom, call 703.478.0500 Option 1!

Tips for Parents for Successful Prom Transportation
• Ask Reston Limousine for our Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on prom night. Many reputable limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on prom night. Reston Limousine believes a special occasion should be remembered for a wonderful time only. We require all prom reservations to have a signed Reston Limousine Prom Promise on file prior to dispatching our vehicles.
• Give Reston Limousine a curfew. That’s right; the chauffeur will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour and at designated locations only.
• Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Make sure the company has the right credentials, like the National Limousine Association (NLA), and the local livery association (Virginia Limousine Association). Reston Limousine has been in business for 20 years and is a member of both the NLA and VLA.
• Remember to sit back and relax. Reston Limousine hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Our chauffeurs are familiar with carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.

For more tips, visit Reston Limousine’s Prom Page.

With little work done in Richmond on Northern Virginia’s transportation issues, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is considering calling a special session to address it later this year, but only if he can get support for his proposals, he told local and state media.

He’s tasked Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton with the project, and Connaughton is is working with local officials and business leaders across the state to determine transportation priorities, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Among the few transportation-related bills passed by the General Assembly this year, was an agreement to allocate revenue from future oil or gas drilling royalties to improve state roads. President Obama recently announced the suspension of a ban on most off-shore drilling, allowing Virginia to drill for oil and natural gas off its coast, according to recent media reports.

With those factors in place, all that remains is for Congress to pass a bill allowing the Commonwealth to receive royalties from the drilling, and U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D) is expected to introduce such a bill later this year.

VDOT Extends Pothole Blitz

The Virginia Department of Transportation’s “Pothole Blitz” has been so successful, with more than 120,000 potholes fixed throughout the Commonwealth, Gov. Bob McDonnell has decided to extend the project through April 15th.

The road repair campaign started March 1, following a harsh winter that riddled state roads with potholes. If you would like to report a pothole on a state-maintained road or interstate, call the hot line: 1-800-367-7623 or fill out a form on VDOT’s Web site at www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp.

Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer provided business leaders and local officials a grim assessment of the future of transportation in Virginia at a June 3 meeting sponsored by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance.

“We are approaching a cliff,” Secretary Homer said, according to the NVTA Web site. “If we don’t act quickly (to address the transportation funding crisis), Virginia’s prosperity will go elsewhere.”

Local media reports indicate that even as his agency has implemented layoffs and severe cuts in the operations budget and state’s six-year transportation improvement fund, it faces further financial shortfalls as federal and state revenues continue to decline.

In his speech, Secretary Homer noted that the lack of state funds means the state will:

• lose jobs because it can’t attract majory employers with transportation improvements
• continue to suffer congestion woes
  lose federal transportation dollars because it can’t match federal funds
• lose private transportaion money because it can’t attract public private transportation partnerships

To view Secretary Homer’s presentation, visit the NVTA Web site at www.nvta.org.

The first winery on the tour, Fabbioli Cellars, is a boutique winery owned and operated by Doug Fabbioli and Colleen Berg. Located in the southern Lucketts area, the winery produces high quality reds including a Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Tre Sorelle (a Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot), Cabernet Sauvignon, and the lauded Raspberry Merlot.

Your next stop 2 ½ miles north is Lost Creek Winery and Vineyard, owned and operated by Bob and Carol Hauck. Lost Creek grows a diverse collection of varietals, including Niagra, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. You’ll get the chance to sample their wide variety of reds, whites and specialties, but pay particular attention to their signature wines a Vidal Blanc and Merlot.

Cost: $35 per person (does not include tasting fees or gratuity)

Lunch options: A catered box lunch from Atlanta Bread. Co. is available for purchase for $15

To book this tour and to request more information, please call Reston Limousine at 703-478-0500 Option 1.

No need to worry about transportation or long lines – a special entrance has been created for our shuttle groups! Enjoy tastings from more than 50 of Virginia’s finest wineries, which will be pouring from more than 300 select vintages during the two-day festival from May 30-31 at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.

It’s the perfect way to get to the festival in a fun and relaxed manner. Just take the Metro to the Vienna Station and then hop aboard one of Reston Limousine’s comfortable buses. If you purchase the convenient package of festival admission and bus fare, you’ll receive your festival tickets on the bus.

Once you’ve enjoyed your full day of fine wines, fabulous music and delicious food, Reston Limousine will have a fleet of buses with complimentary water on board for your return.

For more information about this great package or to purchase bus or combination bus/festival tickets online, visit Washington Wine Academy.

From transporting large groups to offsite dinners and meetings to providing sightseeing tours of the capital for senior leadership visiting the area to town car pickups at the airport, for instance, Reston Limousine is Accenture’s go-to company.

“Everything and anything that requires wheels, we use Reston Limousine,” says Dana Magnusson, a meeting planner with the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.

“They’re just the best. They train their own drivers, they have their own cars, … and they’ve been consistent. Other companies will outsource so that they’re a hub and they’ll have independent drivers; you never know what you’re getting. The normal things you worry about, you don’t have to with Reston Limo – you don’t have to give it a second thought.”

“Our executives love the drivers – their tours are really good. Even if they’re just driving an executive from say, the Washington Marriott Wardman Park to Capitol Hill, they’ll take the time to point out landmarks and explain their significance.

“And the drivers always know where they’re going. They’re not working the GPS as you’re sitting there knowing you’re going to be late.”

Your visit begins at Pearmund Cellars, which boasts a 7,500-square-foot geothermal winery in the foothills of eastern Fauquier County. Here, you’ll enjoy tastings of classic and reserve wines with for $5 and $7 fees, respectively; both come with a souvenir glass. New on the tasting menu will be the 2008 Viognier, scheduled to be bottled on May 10. High hopes rest on this delicious varietal, as the 2007 vintage garnered a gold medal in Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine’s Great Harvest competition.

Judging by the long list of Pearmund’s regional, national and international awards on its Web site, guests on this tour are in for an amazing experience that will continue at the next stop, the Winery at La Grange.

Tastings take place in an 18th century manor house, where guests can choose between a Classic Tasting for $5 that includes nine wines or a Classic Plus Tasting for $8 that includes two special reds and a taste of the Snort, a Port-style red. As at Pearmund, you’ll leave with a souvenir glass with either tasting.

Among the winery’s portfolio of award-winning wines, the Fletcher’s Chardonnay stands out as a front-runner. The white Burgundean style wine which won a Best of Show and gold medals at the 2008 State Fair of Virginia Wine Competition.

At either of the wineries, be sure to ask about one of Chris Pearmund’s latest projects, a “brother winery” to Pearmund Cellars and Winery at La Grange. At Vint Hill Craft Winery, individuals or groups will work with expert winemakers from grape to bottle to create a barrel of their own of their choosing. After a year of “hands-on education,” the new winemakers will be rewarded with the juice of their labors – about 25 cases of wine.

Cost: $35 per person (does not include tasting room fees or gratuity)

For other lunch options, tour schedule, and other information, visit Reston Limousine’s Public Wine Tours page.

To book this tour, please call 703-478-0500 Option 1.