SCC denies proposed Dulles Greenway Toll increase

RICHMOND, Va. — Commuters across Loudoun County can breathe a sigh of relief — plans to raise tolls on the Dulles Greenway have hit a roadblock. Virginia's State Corporation Commission (SCC) has rejected the proposed toll hike, deeming it unfair to drivers already feeling the pinch of rising costs.

TRIP II sought to raise tolls to $8.10 during peak hours and $6.40 during off-peak hours for most vehicles. However, in its final order, the commission sided with SCC Senior Examiner Michael D. Thomas, who determined that the rate hikes would be unreasonable for users and could discourage public use of the roadway.

The SCC also rejected TRIP II’s argument that the Virginia statute regulating the Greenway’s tolls is unconstitutional in this case. In addition, the commission didn’t approve TRIP II’s plan to make future toll hike requests easier but encouraged the company to work with a group of community stakeholders to explore solutions.

The decision followed extensive public input, including testimony gathered during a local hearing in Chantilly, Virginia, a telephone hearing, and an evidentiary hearing. Loudoun County officials, SCC staff, and members of the public submitted evidence that played a key role in the commission’s ruling.

The Dulles Greenway is a 14-mile toll road in northern Virginia. It connects to the Leesburg Bypass on the west side and provides a tolled alternative to drivers from Loudoun County to D.C. and the Washington Dulles International Airport.