The question of how high tolls will get on the Dulles Greenway was settled this month when state officials gave the road's owners permission to charge drivers as much as $9.60 per round trip by January 2012. According to an article in today's Washington Post, now politicians, transportation experts and business analysts are debating a more complicated question: What effect will the toll increases have on Loudoun's economy?
According to the story, those who worry about the economic effects argue that such high tolls could force more people off the highway and onto congested local roads such as Route 7 -- increasing commute times, delaying deliveries and making Loudoun a less attractive place in which to work. But if increased tolls on the Greenway guarantee swift travel for motorists, that could have a positive economic effect, some analysts said.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Greenway Tolls to Go Higher
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved a revised toll structure for the privately owned Dulles Greenway that raises the maximum base toll ceiling for cars from $3 to $4. The modified toll structure is effective October 1. However, the new maximum allowable toll will not be reached until 2012.
The Commission is also permitting the owners, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, L.P. (TRIP II), to implement congestion management price premiums. The maximum base toll can be increased by about 20 percent for weekday traffic traveling in the peak period direction. The Commission said, “The introduction of congestion pricing to the toll structure will promote the efficient utilization of the Dulles Greenway.”
The Commission order does not mandate toll increases, and the toll ceiling will be phased-in over a five-year period. TRIP II may implement tolls lower than the ceiling, make adjustments on different dates, or adjust tolls to deter migration from the Greenway.
TRIP II’s audited financial statements indicate that it has experienced losses for every year since 1993 when roadway construction began. The Commission wrote, “We have no credible evidence challenging the accuracy of financial data.”
Recognizing that TRIP II’s interest expense alone has exceeded its total revenues over most of the years it has operated, the Commission said, “This is hardly a ‘cash cow’ enterprise, nor ‘highway robbery’ as some of the public witnesses have asserted.”
The record before the Commission supports a determination that the level of tolls will, as required by Virginia law, provide TRIP II with no more than a reasonable return while not discouraging use of the Dulles Greenway.
According to the Leesburg Today newspaper, the first increase - to $3.40 from the current $3 toll with the ability to charge $4 at rush hour - would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2009. The next increase to $3.70 would take place no earlier than July 1, 2010, with the ability to charge $4.50 at rush hour. The final increase to $4, and $4.80 at rush hour, cannot occur earlier than Jan. 1, 2012.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that when the Greenway opened in 1995, it was envisioned as a luxurious alternative to side roads clogged with stop-and-go traffic such as Route 7. But as Loudoun's population has blossomed, it has become an essential thoroughfare connecting dense neighborhoods in eastern Loudoun to job centers along the Dulles corridor and in Fairfax County and Tysons Corner.
The Post further noted that in its 10-page order, the Commission said that the increase could be a hardship for drivers who use the Greenway daily. But members said their hands were tied by the 1988 state law that authorized construction of the Greenway, the state's first private highway to be built since the Civil War. "Almost 20 years ago, the Commonwealth made a series of policy decisions that leave us little choice but to make the decision we make in this case," the order said. Under the law, Toll Road Investors is allowed to increase tolls under three conditions: if the new fee does not significantly discourage drivers from using the road, if the company does not make an undue profit from the higher charge and if the benefit of using the road matches its cost.
And according to an article in the Washington Examiner, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., whose district includes the toll road, said “There are times I will not ride the Greenway and will take Route 7 to save money. If the tolls are going up higher, more people are going to get on Route 7 and Route 50. We are making those roads more congested. The General Assembly needs to go back and change this bad law.”
The Dulles Greenway is a 14-mile limited access highway between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg. Authority to construct and operate the road was granted by the Commission in 1990. There was general support favoring the project since there were no plans to build the facility with public funds. At that point in time the situation presented was that if a private toll road were not built, there would be no road at all.
The Commission is also permitting the owners, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, L.P. (TRIP II), to implement congestion management price premiums. The maximum base toll can be increased by about 20 percent for weekday traffic traveling in the peak period direction. The Commission said, “The introduction of congestion pricing to the toll structure will promote the efficient utilization of the Dulles Greenway.”
The Commission order does not mandate toll increases, and the toll ceiling will be phased-in over a five-year period. TRIP II may implement tolls lower than the ceiling, make adjustments on different dates, or adjust tolls to deter migration from the Greenway.
TRIP II’s audited financial statements indicate that it has experienced losses for every year since 1993 when roadway construction began. The Commission wrote, “We have no credible evidence challenging the accuracy of financial data.”
Recognizing that TRIP II’s interest expense alone has exceeded its total revenues over most of the years it has operated, the Commission said, “This is hardly a ‘cash cow’ enterprise, nor ‘highway robbery’ as some of the public witnesses have asserted.”
The record before the Commission supports a determination that the level of tolls will, as required by Virginia law, provide TRIP II with no more than a reasonable return while not discouraging use of the Dulles Greenway.
According to the Leesburg Today newspaper, the first increase - to $3.40 from the current $3 toll with the ability to charge $4 at rush hour - would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2009. The next increase to $3.70 would take place no earlier than July 1, 2010, with the ability to charge $4.50 at rush hour. The final increase to $4, and $4.80 at rush hour, cannot occur earlier than Jan. 1, 2012.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that when the Greenway opened in 1995, it was envisioned as a luxurious alternative to side roads clogged with stop-and-go traffic such as Route 7. But as Loudoun's population has blossomed, it has become an essential thoroughfare connecting dense neighborhoods in eastern Loudoun to job centers along the Dulles corridor and in Fairfax County and Tysons Corner.
The Post further noted that in its 10-page order, the Commission said that the increase could be a hardship for drivers who use the Greenway daily. But members said their hands were tied by the 1988 state law that authorized construction of the Greenway, the state's first private highway to be built since the Civil War. "Almost 20 years ago, the Commonwealth made a series of policy decisions that leave us little choice but to make the decision we make in this case," the order said. Under the law, Toll Road Investors is allowed to increase tolls under three conditions: if the new fee does not significantly discourage drivers from using the road, if the company does not make an undue profit from the higher charge and if the benefit of using the road matches its cost.
And according to an article in the Washington Examiner, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., whose district includes the toll road, said “There are times I will not ride the Greenway and will take Route 7 to save money. If the tolls are going up higher, more people are going to get on Route 7 and Route 50. We are making those roads more congested. The General Assembly needs to go back and change this bad law.”
The Dulles Greenway is a 14-mile limited access highway between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg. Authority to construct and operate the road was granted by the Commission in 1990. There was general support favoring the project since there were no plans to build the facility with public funds. At that point in time the situation presented was that if a private toll road were not built, there would be no road at all.
Dulles Rail Cuts
According to an Associated Press story on WTOP Radio, Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Thursday outlined more than $300 million in budget cuts that would keep the first phase of the proposed Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport in line for federal funding.
The story reports that the proposed cuts lower the cost of the rail line from about $2.8 billion to $2.5 billion. They include $77 million in road improvements to Route 7 in Tysons Corner that the state can fund separately. A parking garage in Reston that was in the project's budget would instead be built through a public-private partnership. Canopies at stations would be smaller, and Kaine proposed pouring concrete platforms instead of expensive tile pavers.
Meanwhile, according to the Times Community newspaper, a second report examining the Dulles rail project's engineering and cost has come out and corroborates the initial, higher-than-announced price for the project. The new report says the project's real cost is closer to $2.79 billion, still significantly higher than the project partners' own estimates of $2.64 billion.
The story reports that the proposed cuts lower the cost of the rail line from about $2.8 billion to $2.5 billion. They include $77 million in road improvements to Route 7 in Tysons Corner that the state can fund separately. A parking garage in Reston that was in the project's budget would instead be built through a public-private partnership. Canopies at stations would be smaller, and Kaine proposed pouring concrete platforms instead of expensive tile pavers.
Meanwhile, according to the Times Community newspaper, a second report examining the Dulles rail project's engineering and cost has come out and corroborates the initial, higher-than-announced price for the project. The new report says the project's real cost is closer to $2.79 billion, still significantly higher than the project partners' own estimates of $2.64 billion.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Update on Route 7 at Cochran Mill Road
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office reports (as of 10:30 a.m.) that Route 7 at Cochran Mill Road is now open after being shut down for over an hour after wires fell across the roadway. The area is beginning to clear but traffic is still moving slowly.
Breaking News: Route 7 Closed at Cochran Mill Road
Loudoun County emergency responders have closed down Route 7 at Cochran Mill Road in both directions after wires fell onto the roadway. Traffic is currently being re-routed around the area. Motorists are advised to expect delays this morning.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Looking for a Ride?
Try the Commuter Connections Commuter Bulletin Board page. It features various routes within Loudoun County and originating from Loudoun County to attempt to connect drivers and riders together to form carpools or vanpools where possible.
A regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), a nonprofit, Commuter Connections offers free services to those who work in the Metropolitan Washington area. Among the services, the program offers ridematching for carpools and vanpools and administers the Guaranteed Ride Home program. So not only can Commuter Connections provide you with the best commute options to get to work, it can also get you home in an emergency too.
A regional network of transportation organizations coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), a nonprofit, Commuter Connections offers free services to those who work in the Metropolitan Washington area. Among the services, the program offers ridematching for carpools and vanpools and administers the Guaranteed Ride Home program. So not only can Commuter Connections provide you with the best commute options to get to work, it can also get you home in an emergency too.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Thoughts on Traffic from the Leesburg Tomorrow Blog
Today's "Leesburg Tomorrow" blog features a post about the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors regarding NVTA's right to tax to raise funds for transportation. The blog also discusses bridge and road safety and funding for Sycolin Road.
The blog comments that, "It's critical to note that Loudoun stands alone among NVTA members in appealing the NVTA's constitutionality. When Loudoun loses on appeal, it is likely that the other jurisdictions on the NVTA will not look as kindly on projects that benefit Loudoun. After all, Loudoun's appeal threatens the projects of every jurisdiction involved in the NVTA. If the NVTA is overturned, Loudoun stands to lose over $8 million in immediate road project money, including money for Battlefield Parkway, Loudoun County Parkway, and Maple and Main in Purcellville. (We assuredly lost the opportunity for the NVTA to be based in Loudoun as a result of this appeal.)"
Interesting reading and a fairly lengthy post that we're glad we could provide a link to.
The blog comments that, "It's critical to note that Loudoun stands alone among NVTA members in appealing the NVTA's constitutionality. When Loudoun loses on appeal, it is likely that the other jurisdictions on the NVTA will not look as kindly on projects that benefit Loudoun. After all, Loudoun's appeal threatens the projects of every jurisdiction involved in the NVTA. If the NVTA is overturned, Loudoun stands to lose over $8 million in immediate road project money, including money for Battlefield Parkway, Loudoun County Parkway, and Maple and Main in Purcellville. (We assuredly lost the opportunity for the NVTA to be based in Loudoun as a result of this appeal.)"
Interesting reading and a fairly lengthy post that we're glad we could provide a link to.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
VDOT Begins Construction on Interchange at Route 28 and Nokes Boulevard
Last Thursday, the Virginia Department of Transportation, members of the Route 28 Corridor Improvements team and local officials broke ground on the Route 28 and Nokes Boulevard interchange in Loudoun County. It is the eighth of 10 interchanges that have been built or are underway as part of the Route 28 public-private partnership in Loudoun and Fairfax counties.
According to a VDOT press release, the $51.6 million design-build project will be completed in November 2009 and includes extending Pacific Boulevard for three-tenths of a mile to connect Severn Way with the interchange.
The original 14-mile widening of Route 28, from Route 7 in Loudoun County to I-66 in Fairfax County, began in 1987 and was completed in 1991. Route 28 was transformed form a two-lane road to a six-lane divided highway with interchanges at Routes 50, 7 and the Dulles Toll Road.
Funding for the Route 28 corridor is provided in a combination of public and private funds, with 75 percent of the corridor improvements supported by the Route 28 special tax district. State and County funds make up the remainder of the total cost of the project.
According to a VDOT press release, the $51.6 million design-build project will be completed in November 2009 and includes extending Pacific Boulevard for three-tenths of a mile to connect Severn Way with the interchange.
The original 14-mile widening of Route 28, from Route 7 in Loudoun County to I-66 in Fairfax County, began in 1987 and was completed in 1991. Route 28 was transformed form a two-lane road to a six-lane divided highway with interchanges at Routes 50, 7 and the Dulles Toll Road.
Funding for the Route 28 corridor is provided in a combination of public and private funds, with 75 percent of the corridor improvements supported by the Route 28 special tax district. State and County funds make up the remainder of the total cost of the project.
Terrible Traffic Tuesday Comes to an End
The day after Labor Day is a horrible traffic day, as kids return to schools, politicians return to the Capital and summer vacations come to an end.
According to today's Washington Post, among those adding to the traffic in Loudoun County today were 721 school buses as they begin the first of the more than 8 million miles they are expected to travel this school year.
Meanwhile, WTOP Radio reports on a story we had on Aug. 28, that Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson would have deputies and crossing guards do all they can to keep children and everyone else safe on this first day of school.
Hope your traffic experience today wasn't too bad. And while those hot summer days will soon come to an end, also will be the less traveled roadways we enjoy during the middle of the year. Travel well.
According to today's Washington Post, among those adding to the traffic in Loudoun County today were 721 school buses as they begin the first of the more than 8 million miles they are expected to travel this school year.
Meanwhile, WTOP Radio reports on a story we had on Aug. 28, that Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson would have deputies and crossing guards do all they can to keep children and everyone else safe on this first day of school.
Hope your traffic experience today wasn't too bad. And while those hot summer days will soon come to an end, also will be the less traveled roadways we enjoy during the middle of the year. Travel well.
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