Another Positive Step for the Future of Dulles Rail

Today's Washington Post reports that the Federal Transit Administration has authorized construction to begin on the Dulles Rail extension, which will stretch 23 miles from the East Falls Church Station in Arlington County, through Tysons Corner and past the airport in Loudoun County.

According to the article, "The news from the FTA does not guarantee full funding of the project, which is counting on $900 million from Washington and has endured years of uncertainty as federal transit officials have questioned its rising costs. But state and project officials welcomed the letter and said they think the project's near-demise earlier this year is behind them."

"Some preliminary work, including relocation of utility lines, has been underway since January. The pace of the work will pick up considerably after Labor Day, officials said, with more than eight construction sites likely to be in progress along Route 7 between the Dulles Toll Road and International Drive."

"As a result, spot closures of the Route 7 service road will continue. And single-lane closures will begin next week along Route 7 and Gosnell Road, project spokeswoman Marcia McAllister said. Motorists have encountered lane closures on the ramps from the toll road to Route 7. That and other nighttime detours in the area will continue, she said."

"In addition, the project office has instructed Metro, which will operate the new Silver Line, to begin the process of procuring rail cars."

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