Drivers on the Dulles Toll Road could see rates jump from the current $2 now for a full trip to $5.50 by 2015 and $10.75 by 2020 to pay for the extension of the Metro rail into Dulles.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority officials had always planned for regular rate increases, and projections for those increases are climbing as the costs of the Dulles rail project rise, according to WTOP.
In addition, financial advisors recently urged MWAA officials to consider other options such as charging tolls on the currently free Dulles Access Road, instituting peak hour fares and creating a distance-based toll system.
According to WTOP:
With the recent decision to build an underground Metro station at Dulles Airport, the expected cost for Phase II of the project (which will run from Reston, to the Airport and into Loudoun County) is about $3.5 billion. If the Authority were to have chosen the much-debated (and less expensive) aerial option, the overall cost would go down to $3.2 billion.
Ultimately, the decision to go underground at the Airport could lead to a .50 cent difference in tolls on the toll road according to a report given to the board.
The board has agreed to study a new transportation plan over the next six months. A better estimate for toll increases is expected after that time.
In other transportation news,
- VDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for crews mowing grass, pruning trees, cutting brush and removing litter along roads throughout the commonwealth. Signs are posted to indicate that work is under way as 58,000 miles of roadsides get their first spring manicure. Motorists are asked to watch for slow-moving mowing operations and to slow their speed, stay alert, and move into the opposite lane where possible when approaching the work zone.
- Business owners, commuters and the general public have until May 27 to offer feedback on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation program that calls for $3 billion in new transportation funds. For details on the plan, click here. You can email comments to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov. Written comments can be submitted to: Public Information Office, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.