Proposed Dulles Toll Road Increases
Tolls for a 2-axle vehicle at the Main Line Plaza would increase to $4.00 from $3.25. Drivers would incur a second increase at the ramps. The charge for a 2-axle would increase from $1.50 to $2.00 on the ramps. If the Airports Authority's Board of Directors approves the amendment, someone driving a passenger car will pay $12 a day round trip using the Dulles Toll Road rather than the current $9.50.
The Airports Authority also wants to be able to charge administrative fees to cover the costs it must pay when it bills toll road customers who use the pay-by-plate (license plate imaging) method to pay tolls.
On Tuesday evening, July 12, the Airports Authority held the first of two public hearings — the first meeting a virtual one. The public learned about the Dulles Toll Road's switch to all-electronic tolling, how toll revenue is used to pay for capital improvements in the Dulles Corridor, and the funding and construction of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.
The Airports Authority seeks public comment not just about the proposed amendment but also converting to all-electronic toll collection will reduce harmful emissions from vehicles idling at toll plazas. It poses questions: Are there other potential environmental initiatives related to the operation or maintenance of the Dulles Toll Road that should be explored? Would offering toll credits or other financial incentives be an effective way to encourage Dulles Toll Road customers to carpool or travel during off-peak hours?
The full text of the proposed changes can be found online at https://www.dullestollroad.com/toll-setting-process.
A second public hearing, this time in person, is set for Monday, July 18, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, Salons A, B, and C, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, Virginia 20166. As per the Airports Authority "There will be no formal presentation, but the information provided in the virtual public hearing will be available for discussion in an open house format. Attendees will be able to visit several information stations to learn about the proposed regulatory amendments, the Dulles Toll Road, and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project. Attendees will be able to provide written comments or provide comments to an official meeting stenographer."
Additionally, beginning July 11, 2022, written comments may be submitted using the online comment form at https://www.dullestollroad.com/toll-setting-process. One can also phone (703) 253-5896 and leave a statement after the tone. It will be received and entered into the record. All comments must be received no later than Aug. 10, 2022. The Airports Authority's Board of Directors is the only group that can take the final step to adopt these proposed changes.