Federal Transit Administration Approves New Phase of Work on Rail to Dulles Project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) nudged rail to Dulles a step forward by allowing the project to move into preliminary engineering. Preliminary engineering is the second phase of a three-part process in which the project’s design, scope and cost are refined before construction can begin.

“This corridor has long needed a public transportation solution that will provide local residents with greater convenience and flexibility while reducing congestion,” said FTA Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn. “Our goal is to provide common sense transit solutions to residents throughout the Northern Virginia area.”

This approval does not guarantee that the project will be approved to enter the Final Design phase of project development. The FTA will continue to monitor and evaluate the project throughout the development process as information concerning costs, benefits and impacts is refined. In order to be considered for any future grants, all federal requirements must be met as rail to Dulles continues through the rigorous project development process.

The Dulles Corridor Rail Project – Extension to Wiehle Avenue – is a joint venture between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The project would operate from the existing West Falls Church station to Wiehle Avenue in Reston for approximately 11.6 miles, with five stations along the route. Through an agreement with VDRPT, WMATA will serve as the Technical Manager of the project to ensure that the project design is compatible with Metrorail requirements. VDRPT plans to conduct preliminary engineering for the project through a public- private partnership agreement with Dulles Transit Partners, LLC.

The Dulles Corridor Rail Project, like all major capital projects seeking federal funds, is subject to the FTA’s rigorous evaluation process, which measures mobility improvements, environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, operating efficiencies, transit supportive land use and future patterns, as well as a number of optional factors, including the projected economic impact of the project.