Studies that evaluate the transportation needs and potential improvements within the Dulles Corridor date back to the 1950s, when the Washington Dulles International Airport was in its planning stages. To read about various studies that lead up to the current project, click here.

The CTB is a 17-member board appointed by the Governor of Virginia that is primarily responsible for approving, administering, and allocating transportation funds in Virginia. The WMATA Board of Directors is responsible for the mass transit plan for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Zone, which includes the Dulles Corridor.

Dulles Corridor Transportation Study
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) initiated a Major Investment Study (MIS), called the Dulles Corridor Transportation Study, in response to the adopted Dulles Corridor Plan. In 1999, a supplement to the MIS was prepared to address the possibility of using Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the corridor.

These studies included a variety of information including growth projections for the Dulles Corridor and the region, estimates of travel patterns generated by development in the corridor, consideration of several transportation improvements that address travel needs, and a discussion of the costs, benefits, and impacts of these alternatives.

After the MIS there was a recommendation to extend the existing 103-mile Metrorail system through Tysons Corner to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County, and to implement an expanded bus system. A 1999 supplement to the MIS resulted in a recommended phased implementation of enhanced express bus service, BRT, and finally full rail service throughout the corridor.

Each Build Alternative evaluated in the Draft EIS has a different completion date. With the BRT Alternative, the analysis assumes transit service throughout the corridor by 2005, with the BRT/Metrorail Alternative by 2006, and with the Metrorail Alternative by 2010. With the Phased Implementation Alternative, the analysis assumes BRT service throughout the corridor by 2005, followed by Metrorail service through Tysons Corner by 2006, and Metrorail service from Tysons Corner to Loudoun County by 2010.

Upon completion of a formal public hearing and comment period on the Draft EIS, the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors will select the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project.

Click for more from the Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project

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